Clofarabine is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL; a type of cancer of the white blood cells) in children and young adults 1-21 years old who have already received at least two other treatments. Clofarabine is in a class of medications called purine nucleoside antimetabolites. It works by killing existing cancer cells and limiting the development of new cancer cells.
Clofarabine comes as a solution to be injected into a vein. Clofarabine is administered by a doctor or nurse. It is usually given once a day for 5 days in a row. This dosing cycle may be repeated once every 2-6 weeks, depending on your response to the medication.
It will take at least 2 hours for you to receive each dose of clofarabine. Tell your doctor or other healthcare provider right away if you feel anxious or restless while you are receiving the medication.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Drink plenty of fluids every day during your treatment with clofarabine, especially if you vomit or have diarrhea.
nausea
vomiting
stomach pain
diarrhea
constipation
loss of appetite
weight loss
swelling of the inside of the mouth and nose
painful white patches in the mouth
headache
anxiety
depression
irritability
pain in the back, joints, arms, or legs
drowsiness
dry, itchy, or irritated skin
flushing
fast heartbeat
fast breathing
shortness of breath
dizziness
lightheadedness
fainting
decreased urination
sore throat, cough, fever, chills, and other signs of infection
pale skin
excessive tiredness
weakness
confusion
unusual bruising or bleeding
nosebleed
bleeding gums
blood in urine
small red or purple spots under the skin
yellowing of the skin or eyes
itching
red, warm, swollen, tender skin
uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
Clofarabine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
This medication will be stored in the hospital.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
yellowing of the skin or eyes
vomiting
rash
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to clofarabine.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Reviewed - 09/01/2010
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.