Often used for:
Leukemia, Lymphoma
About fludarabine
Fludarabine is a type of chemotherapy. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cells. It is also used to help prepare patients for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant.
Patients will have regular blood draws to check blood counts and monitor liver and kidney function.
Possible late effects
- Some patients may experience long-term or late effects of treatment that may continue or develop months or years after treatment ends. Possible late effects include:
- Neurologic disorder called 'leukoencephalopathy'. Signs may include confusion, weakness, difficulty speaking, vision changes, or seizures.
- Skin cancer
- Fertility problems in males
Possible side effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Infections
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Mouth sores
- Sweating
- Muscle pain
- Low blood counts (may cause increased risk of infection, bleeding, anemia, and/or fatigue)
- Cough
- Trouble breathing
- Weakness
- Headache
- Vision changes
- Confusion
- Rash
- Diarrhea
- Bleeding (in urine or stool)
- Tingling in the hands or feet
- Swelling of feet or legs
- Not all patients who take fludarabine will experience these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.
Tips for families
- Be sure to discuss these and other recommendations with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Sexually active patients should take steps to prevent pregnancy during treatment and for 6 months after completion of therapy.
- Patients should tell their doctor if they are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Caregivers should follow instructions to avoid contact with patient body fluids, which can contain the drug for 48 hours after it is given.
