Nelarabine (Intravenous)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 24, 2022.
Severe neurologic adverse reactions, including altered mental states, severe somnolence, CNS effects including convulsions, and peripheral neuropathy ranging from numbness and paresthesias to motor weakness and paralysis, have been reported with the use of nelarabine. There have also been reports of adverse reactions associated with demyelination, and ascending peripheral neuropathies similar in appearance to Guillain-Barré syndrome. Cessation of therapy has not always resulted in a full recovery from these adverse reactions. Monitor frequently for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicity. Discontinue nelarabine for neurologic adverse reactions of NCI Common Toxicity Criteria (CTCAE) for adverse events Grade 2 or greater .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Arranon
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Antineoplastic Agent
Uses for nelarabine
Nelarabine injection is used to treat specific types of cancer called T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL). Nelarabine is usually given to patients who have already received at least two other cancer medicines.
Nelarabine belongs to the group of medicines called antineoplastics. It interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by nelarabine, other effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects may not be serious, but may cause concern.
Before you begin treatment with nelarabine, you and your doctor should talk about the benefits nelarabine will do as well as the possible risks of using it.
Nelarabine is to be given only by or under the supervision of your doctor.
Before using nelarabine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For nelarabine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to nelarabine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of nelarabine injection in children 1 year of age and older. However, safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 1 year of age.
Geriatric
Although appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of nelarabine injection have not been performed in the geriatric population, no geriatric-specific problems have been documented to date. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney or nervous system problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving nelarabine injection.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the..
