Oforta

Generic Name: fludarabine (oral)
Brand Names: Oforta

What is Oforta?

Oforta (fludarabine) is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Oforta is used to treat B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It is usually given after other cancer medications have been tried without successful response to treatment.

Oforta may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Oforta

Do not use Oforta if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking Oforta, whether you are a man or a woman. Keep using birth control for at least 6 months after your treatment ends. Oforta use by either parent may cause birth defects.

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Before you take Oforta, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, bone marrow problems, or a weak immune system.

If you need to have a blood transfusion, tell your caregivers ahead of time that you are being treated with Oforta.

Oforta can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection. Your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.

Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection such as fever, cough, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, or unusual weakness.

Before using Oforta

You should not use Oforta if you are allergic to fludarabine, or if you are also being treated with a cancer medicine called pentostatin (Nipent).

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a Oforta dose adjustment or special tests:

• kidney disease;

• bone marrow problems; or

• a weak immune system.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use Oforta if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking Oforta, whether you are a man or a woman. Keep using birth control for at least 6 months after your treatment ends. Oforta use by either parent may cause birth defects. It is not known whether fludarabine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking Oforta.

See also: Oforta pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

How should I take Oforta?

Take Oforta exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Oforta is usually taken daily for 5 days in a row every 28 days. Once your body has responded well to the medication, your doctor may recommend additional treatment cycles.

Oforta may be taken with or without food.

Do not crush, chew, or break a Oforta tablet. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not use a tablet that has been accidentally broken. The powder from a crushed or broken pill can be dangerous if you breathe it in, or if it gets in your eyes, mouth, or nose, or on your skin. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to safely handle and dispose of a broken tablet. If you accidentally touch a broken tablet, wash your skin with soap and water. Call your doctor if you develop a skin rash or severe irritation. If the powder from a broken tablet gets in your eyes, rinse them with water for at least 15 minutes.

Oforta can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill.

Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection such as fever, cough, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, or unusual weakness.

Your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests. Visit your doctor regularly.

If you need to have a blood transfusion, tell your caregivers ahead of time that you are taking Oforta.

Keep each tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take it. Push a tablet through the foil when you are ready to take the medicine.

Do not allow other people to handle a Oforta tablet. Keep the medicine in a place where children and pets cannot get to it. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Do not throw away unused or expired Oforta tablets in your household trash. Ask your pharmacist where to locate a community pharmaceutical take back disposal program.

See also: Oforta dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra Oforta to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Oforta overdose symptoms may include fever, chills, flu symptoms, mouth sores, easy bruising or bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin, behavior changes, and vision loss.

What should I avoid while taking Oforta?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Avoid activities that increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Brush your teeth gently and use extra care while shaving.

If you have a fever, avoid taking any fever medication without first asking your doctor.

Oforta side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Oforta: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine;

• fast or slow heart rate, weak pulse, trouble concentrating, feeling tired or short of breath;

• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;

• vision problems, confusion, agitation, changes in behavior, or feeling like you might pass out;

• cough with yellow or green mucus, stabbing chest pain, trouble breathing;

• black or bloody stools, coughing up blood;

• lower back pain, blood in your urine, pain or burning when you urinate;

• urinating less than usual or not at all;

• numbness or tingly feeling around your mouth; or

• muscle weakness, tightness, or contraction, overactive reflexes.

Less serious Oforta side effects may include:

• muscle pain;

• swelling in your legs;

• mild nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain;

• cold symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose, sneezing;

• sweating; or

• mild itching or skin rash.

This is not a complete list of Oforta side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Oforta side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Oforta?

There may be other drugs that can interact with Oforta. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about Oforta.