Cladribine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Nov 21, 2022.

Summary

Commonly reported side effects of cladribine include: infection, anuria, severe neutropenia, neurotoxicity, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, acidosis, fever, increased serum creatinine, and renal insufficiency. Other side effects include: pruritus. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

Applies to cladribine: oral tablet. Other dosage forms:

• intravenous solution

Serious side effects of Cladribine

Along with its needed effects, cladribine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking cladribine:

More common

• Body aches or pain
• chills
• cough
• ear congestion
• fast heartbeat
• fever
• headache
• hives, itching, skin rash
• hoarseness
• irritation
• joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• loss of voice
• lower back or side pain
• painful or difficult urination
• redness of the skin
• runny or stuffy nose
• sneezing
• sore throat
• swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
• tightness in the chest
• troubled breathing or swallowing
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

• Blurred vision
• cough producing mucus
• discouragement
• dizziness
• feeling sad or empty
• lack of appetite
• loss of interest or pleasure
• nervousness
• pounding in the ears
• slow heartbeat
• trouble concentrating
• trouble sleeping

Rare

• Burning or stinging of the skin
• confusion
• painful cold sores or blisters on the lips, nose, eyes, or genitals
• seizures
• stiff neck
• vomiting

Incidence not known

• Blistering, peeling, loosening of the skin
• chest pain
• diarrhea
• muscle pain
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• red, irritated eyes
• sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
• swollen glands
• unusual bleeding or bruising

Other side effects of Cladribine

Some side effects of cladribine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Back pain
• difficulty in moving
• muscle stiffness
• trouble sleeping

Less common

• Thinning or loss of hair

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to cladribine: intravenous solution, oral tablet.

Hematologic

Very common (10% or more): Neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, purpura

Common (1% to 10%): Febrile neutropenia

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Bone marrow suppression with prolonged pancytopenia, aplastic anemia, hypereosinophilia, myelodysplastic syndrome

Postmarketing reports: Hemolytic anemia, febrile neutropenia^[Ref]

Renal

Common (1% to 10%): Renal impairment, renal failure

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Nausea (28%), anorexia (17%), vomiting (13%), diarrhea (10%)

Common (1% to 10%): Constipation, abdominal pain, flatulence

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Mucositis^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Very common (10% or more): Rash (28%), diaphoresis, pruritus

Common (1% to 10%): Hyperhidrosis, petechiae, ecchymosis, urticaria

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic skin eruption, toxic epidermal necrolysis

Rare (less than 0.1%): Alopecia^[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Headache

Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, somnolence

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Depressed level of consciousness, neurological toxicity (including peripheral sensory neuropathy, motor neuropathy (paralysis), polyneuropathy, paraparesis)^[Ref]

Local

Very common (10% or more): Administration site reaction^[Ref]

Metabolic

Common (1% to 10%): Weight loss

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Tumor lysis syndrome, metabolic acidosis^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Common (1% to 10%): Edema, tachycardia, myocardial ischemia, peripheral edema

Rare (less than 0.1%): Heart failure, arrhythmia, heart murmur, hypotension, thrombosis^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Common (1% to 10%): Arthralgia, myalgia

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Muscular weakness, paraparesis^[Ref]

Respiratory

Very common (10% or more): Cough

Common (1% to 10%): Pulmonary interstitial infiltrates (including lung infiltration, interstitial lung disease, pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis), abnormal breath sounds, abnormal chest sounds, dyspnea, rales^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Common (1% to 10%): Hypersensitivity^[Ref]

Hepatic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Increases in bilirubin, increases in transaminases, jaundice^[Ref]

Immunologic

Very common (10% or more): Infection (unspecified) (up to 28%)

Common (1% to 10%): Bacteremia, cellulitis, localized infection, pneumonia, septic shock, serious infection, opportunistic infection^[Ref]

Ocular

Postmarketing reports: Conjunctivitis^[Ref]

Other

Very common (10% or more): Fatigue, pyrexia, pain

Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, chills, malaise, localized edema, chills^[Ref]

Oncologic

Postmarketing reports: Secondary malignancies^[Ref]

Psychiatric

Common (1% to 10%): Confusion, anxiety, insomnia^[Ref]

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Further information

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.

Medical Disclaimer