Nelarabine (Arranon) – Side Effects, Interactions, Uses, Dosage, Warnings

Nelarabine is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Nelarabine is used to treat T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma.

Nelarabine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

uses

What is Nelarabine (Arranon) used for?

  • Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
  • Lymphoma

warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Nelarabine (Arranon)?

You should not be treated with nelarabine if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • liver disease;
  • kidney disease;
  • a nervous system disorder; or
  • prior chemotherapy or radiation treatment of your head, neck, or spinal cord.

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.

Do not use nelarabine if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 3 months after your last dose.

A man receiving nelarabine should use a condom during treatment, and for at least 3 months after treatment ends.

You should not breast-feed while you are receiving nelarabine.

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Side Effects

What are the side effects of Nelarabine (Arranon)?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Nelarabine may cause serious side effects of the central nervous system. These symptoms may not go away even after you stop receiving nelarabine. Tell your doctor if you have:

  • extreme drowsiness;
  • loss of balance or coordination;
  • problems with walking;
  • numbness or tingly feeling in your hands or feet;
  • problems with buttoning clothes or picking up small items with your fingers;
  • a seizure; or
  • weakness or loss of movement in any part of your body.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

  • unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness;
  • low blood cell counts–fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath; or
  • signs of tumor cell breakdown–tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fast or slow heart rate, tingling in your hands and feet or around your mouth.

Common side effects may include:

  • drowsiness (for several days after your injection);
  • nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;
  • numbness or tingling;
  • headache, tiredness; or
  • blurred vision.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Can I take Nelarabine (Arranon) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.

Do not use nelarabine if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 3 months after your last dose.

You should not breast-feed while you are receiving nelarabine.

Interactions

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Nelarabine (Arranon)?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired. You may feel drowsy for several days after you are treated with nelarabine.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using nelarabine. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), and zoster (shingles).

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Nelarabine (Arranon)?

Use Nelarabine (Arranon) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Nelarabine is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

This medicine must be given slowly, and the infusion can take up to 2 hours to complete.

Nelarabine can lower your blood cell counts. Your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Nelarabine (Arranon)?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your nelarabine injection.

Overdose Signs

What happens if I overdose on Nelarabine (Arranon)?

Overdose symptoms may include severe forms of some of the side effects listed in this medication guide.

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Nelarabine (Arranon),  call your doctor or the Poison Control center

(800) 222-1222

If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Nelarabine (Arranon), call 911

911

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