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Cytosar-U Side Effects

Generic name: cytarabine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 26, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Cytosar-U Side Effects associated with cytarabine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Cytosar-U.

Applies to cytarabine: parenteral conventional cytarabine injection, parenteral conventional cytarabine powder for injection, parenteral liposomal cytarabine injection.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

    Experience of Supervising Clinician
  • Conventional cytarabine: Use only under supervision of qualified clinicians experienced in therapy with antineoplastic agents.a b c c j Consider possible benefits vs known risks of cytarabine treatment.a b c j

  • Liposomal cytarabine: Use only under supervision of qualified clinicians experienced in intrathecal therapy with antineoplastic agents; adequate diagnostic and treatment facilities must be readily available for management of complications.d

    Induction Therapy with Conventional Cytarabine
  • Patients should be treated in a facility with laboratory and supportive resources sufficient to monitor drug tolerance and protect and maintain a patient compromised by drug toxicity.a b c j

  • Risk of serious adverse effects, including myelosuppression with leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia.a b c j Less serious adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, oral ulceration, and hepatic dysfunction.a b c j (See Cautions.)

    Chemical Arachnoiditis with Intrathecal Liposomal Cytarabine
  • Chemical arachnoiditis, a syndrome manifested principally by nausea, vomiting, headache, and fever, commonly occurs.d If left untreated, may be fatal.d (See Chemical Arachnoiditis Related to Liposomal Cytarabine under Cautions.)

  • Administer dexamethasone to ameliorate symptoms and reduce incidence.d (See Liposomal Cytarabine under Dosage and Administration.)

Side effects include:

IV, sub-Q, or IM administration of conventional cytarabine (the active ingredient contained in Cytosar-U) Myelosuppression, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, oral and anal inflammation or ulceration, hepatic dysfunction, fever, rash, thrombophlebitis, bleeding (all sites).

Intrathecal administration of conventional cytarabine: Nausea, vomiting, fever, transient headaches.

Intrathecal administration of liposomal cytarabine: Chemical arachnoiditis (neck rigidity, neck pain, meningism, nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, back pain, and/or CSF pleocytosis), asthenia, pain, confusion, somnolence.

No formal drug interaction studies conducted with liposomal cytarabine to date.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to cytarabine: injectable powder for injection, injectable solution.

Ocular

Nervous system

Cardiovascular

Hematologic

Hypersensitivity

Immunologic

Local

Musculoskeletal

Metabolic

Psychiatric

Genitourinary

Hepatic

Respiratory

Other

Renal

Dermatologic

Gastrointestinal

References

1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

3. (2017) "Product Information. Cytarabine (cytarabine)." Hospira Inc

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Cytosar-U side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.