Fludarabine is a chemotherapy medication that was approved to be used in 1991.

Fludarabine is a chemotherapy medication that is used in treatment of B-Cell chronic lymphocytic Leukemia (blood cancer).

Fludarabine is given into the vein using an injection and is available in two doses of 10mg and 50 mg. 

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Fludarabine are, diarrhea, fever, infections, pneumonia, reduced number of blood platelets, brusing and bleeding, lowered red and white blood cells, cough, tiredness, nausea and vomiting.

Before starting treatment with fludarabine, inform your doctor if you have bone marrow problems, a depressed immune system or a history of having had serious infections. Report to your doctor immediately if you feel unwell and see any unexplained bleeding or bruising while using this medication as it may be an indication of infections. Upon noticing a reddish brown colored urine, rashes or blisters on the skin, notify your doctor. Your doctor will conduct regular blood tests during treatment with Fludarabine, and closely monitor you.

Both men and women are advised to use effective contraception while being treated with Fludarabine and must continue to use it for six months after the last dose. Inform your doctor if you have any kidney conditions as your doctor will conduct regular tests to check your kidney function. Fludarabine may be harmful to the baby, hence inform your doctor if you are pregnant or think that you might be pregnant before starting treatment with this medication. Breastfeeding is not be started or continued while being treated with this medication as it may interfere with the growing and developing of the baby. Avoid driving while using this medication as it may cause tiredness, weakness, confusion, vision disturbances or seizures, making driving unsafe. 

Do not take any vaccinations during and after treatment with fludarabine without informing your doctor, as live medicines are to be avoided. This medication consists of less than 1mmol sodium per dose, hence, it can be taken if you are on a low salt diet as it is essentially sodium free. This medication is not be used in children. Inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking before starting treatment with Fludarabine.

1. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Anticancer drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 864.
2. Accord Healthcare Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [Revised on Dec 2019] [ Accessed on 30th Nov 2021], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.3393.pdf
3. Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd, [Revised on Dec 2018] [ Accessed on 30th Nov 2021], https://www.sanofi.in/-/media/Project/One-Sanofi-Web/Websites/Asia-Pacific/Sanofi-IN/Home/science-and-innovation/for-healthcare-professionals/product-information/Fludara-IV_PI-201812.pdf
4. Joshua Lukenbill, Matt Kalaycio; Fludarabine: a review of the clear benefits and potential harms; Leukemia Research (Published on Sept 2013; Accessed on 30/11/2021)
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23787174/

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.