Cladribine (injection)

Generic name: cladribine (injection) [ KLAD-ri-been ]
Brand name: Leustatin injection
Dosage form: intravenous solution (1 mg/mL)
Drug class: Antimetabolites

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 14, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is cladribine?

Cladribine is a cancer medicine that is used to treat hairy cell leukemia (a type of blood cancer).

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

Cladribine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Cladribine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning pain in your fingers or toes;

• loss of movement in any part of your body;

• redness, swelling, or itching under your skin;

• low blood cell counts--fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath;

• kidney problems--little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath;

• signs of infection--fever, chills, cough, chest pain, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, trouble breathing; or

• signs of tumor cell breakdown--tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fast or slow heart rate, tingling in your hands and feet or around your mouth.

Common side effects of cladribine may include:

• fever;

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

• headache, tiredness;

• rash;

• cough; or

• pain, bruising, swelling, or irritation where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of 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.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Cladribine can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. Call your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding, or new signs of infection (fever, chills, cough, chest pain, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, trouble breathing).

Very high doses of cladribine injection can cause nerve damage or paralysis that may not be reversible. However, this effect is rare when cladribine is given in recommended doses.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use cladribine if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems;

• liver or kidney disease; or

• weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine).

Cladribine 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 cladribine.

How is cladribine given?

Cladribine is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Cladribine is usually given around the clock for 7 days in a row. Your doctor will determine how many 7- day treatments you will receive and how often.

Cladribine can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. You will need frequent medical tests, and your next dose may be delayed based on the results.

If cladribine accidentally gets on your skin, wash it thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Cladribine dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Hairy Cell Leukemia:

0.09 mg/kg/day by continuous IV infusion for 7 days

Alternate dosing recommendation:
-Subcutaneous bolus injection: 0.14 mg/kg/day subcutaneously for 5 consecutive days
-IV infusion: 0.1 mg/kg/day IV for 7 consecutive days
-Under certain hematological conditions (e.g., recovery of severe myelosuppression) a small number of patients may require a second cycle and occasionally a third cycle to achieve a stable and prolonged response.

Comments:
-Physicians should consider delaying or discontinuing therapy if neurotoxicity or renal toxicity occurs.
-Consult the individual manufacturer product information for dosing recommendations.

Use: For the primary or secondary treatment of patients with Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since this medication is given in a healthcare setting around the clock, you will not miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

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

Very high doses of cladribine injection can cause nerve damage. In some people, this has resulted in loss of movement (paralysis) that may not be reversible. However, such severe symptoms are rare when cladribine is given in recommended doses. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this risk.

What should I avoid while receiving cladribine?

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using cladribine, or you could develop a serious infection. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.

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

What other drugs will affect cladribine?

Cladribine can harm your kidneys, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, high blood pressure, or pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

Other drugs may affect cladribine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Popular FAQ

More FAQ

• What are the new drugs used for multiple sclerosis (MS)?

View more FAQ

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2025 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 9.01.