Clofarabine
Generic name: clofarabine [ kloe-FAR-a-been ]
Brand name: Clolar
Dosage form: intravenous solution (1 mg/mL)
Drug class:Antimetabolites
What is clofarabine?
Clofarabine is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (a type of blood cancer) in children and young adults up to 21 years old.
Clofarabine is usually given after other treatments have failed.
Clofarabine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Seek medical attention right away if you have signs of inflammation in your body: fever, fast heartbeats, sudden swelling or shortness of breath, rapid breathing, or feeling light-headed.
clofarabine can cause life-threatening side effects including serious infections, bleeding, or harm to your liver or kidneys.
Call your doctor at once if you have: fever, chills, pale skin, trouble breathing, sudden numbness or weakness, problems with vision or speech, stomach pain or swelling, bruising, decreased urination, rapid weight gain, dark urine, yellowing of your skin or eyes, blood in your urine or stools, or if you cough up blood.
Before taking this medicine
Tell your doctor if you have recently been sick with flu symptoms or diarrhea, or if you have ever had:
kidney disease; or
a stem cell transplant.
You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.
Clofarabine can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using this medicine.
If you are a woman, do not use clofarabine if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.
If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.
Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using clofarabine.
This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in both men and women. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because clofarabine can harm an unborn baby.
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.
How is clofarabine given?
Clofarabine is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
clofarabine must be given slowly, and the infusion can take at least 2 hours to complete...
