Pentostatin
Generic name: pentostatin [ PEN-toe-stah-tin ]
Brand name: Nipent
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (10 mg)
Drug class:Antibiotics / antineoplastics
What is pentostatin?
Pentostatin is used to treat hairy cell leukemia (a type of blood cancer).
Pentostatin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Pentostatin can cause harmful side effects on your kidneys, liver, lungs, or central nervous system. Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms such as: swelling, rapid weight gain, little or no urinating, pink or red urine, severe shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, cough, vision problems, numbness, tingling, or burning pain.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use pentostatin if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
kidney disease;
lung disease;
any type of infection (including pneumonia); or
weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicines).
Pentostatin may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
You should not breastfeed while using pentostatin.
How is pentostatin given?
Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure you do not have conditions that would prevent you from safely receiving pentostatin.
Pentostatin is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Pentostatin is usually given every other week. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with pentostatin.
Pentostatin can lower your blood cell counts. Your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results. You may also need to have a bone marrow biopsy.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your pentostatin injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while receiving pentostatin?
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using pentostatin. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.
