Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Anemia: Clolar (Clofarabine) may cause low levels of red blood cells. If you experience symptoms of reduced red blood cell count (anemia) such as shortness of breath, feeling unusually tired or pale skin, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells, including red blood cells, in your blood.
Bleeding: Clolar (Clofarabine) may cause a reduced number of platelets in the blood, which can make it difficult to stop cuts from bleeding. If you notice any signs of bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds, unexplained bruising, or black and tarry stools, notify your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will order routine blood tests to make sure potential problems are caught early.
Dehydration: Clolar (Clofarabine) may cause vomiting and diarrhea, just like other cancer medications. In some circumstances, dehydration may develop. Check with your doctor if you experience decreased urine production, fainting spells, lightheadedness or severe dizziness.
Digestive system problems: Inflammation in the digestive system may occur early in treatment with Clolar (Clofarabine). It is also more likely to occur when Clolar (Clofarabine) is used in combination with other chemotherapy medications. This inflammation can cause severe damage to the digestive system, including, bleeding and infections. If you experience symptoms of digestive system problems, such as fever, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Infection: As well as killing cancer cells, Clolar (Clofarabine) can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). If possible, avoid contact with people with contagious infections and areas with lots of people. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells in your blood.
Kidney function: Reduced kidney function and kidney disease can cause Clolar (Clofarabine) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Clolar (Clofarabine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Clolar (Clofarabine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Clolar (Clofarabine) may reduce liver function and can cause liver failure. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Clolar (Clofarabine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Clolar (Clofarabine), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Clolar (Clofarabine).
Systemic inflammatory response syndrome: This is a result of the body's natural defenses being over-stimulated, causing a release of cytokines, natural chemicals that work to protect the body. These chemicals cause inflammation throughout the body, which can cause serious harm to the liver, kidney, and other organs, and may be fatal if not treated quickly. Symptoms of this syndrome include rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, very high or very low body temperature and low blood pressure. If you or your child experiences these symptoms, get immediate medical attention.
Tumour lysis syndrome: When large numbers of cancer cells are destroyed quickly, the body has difficulty getting rid of them. This can lead to a temporary, but possibly deadly set of symptoms referred to as tumour lysis syndrome. Your doctor will prescribe some medications to help your body manage this overload, however symptoms are still possible. If you experience or notice any of the following in your child, contact the doctor immediately. Symptoms of tumour lysis syndrome include: rapid breathing, rapid heartbeat, dizziness or lightheadedness, joint pain or decrease in urination.
Pregnancy: There is a possibility of birth defects if Clolar (Clofarabine) is used during pregnancy. Effective birth control should be practiced while using Clolar (Clofarabine) as Clolar (Clofarabine) may harm the baby if used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Clolar (Clofarabine), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Clolar (Clofarabine) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Clolar (Clofarabine), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Adults and seniors: The safety and effectiveness of Clolar (Clofarabine) have not been established for individuals over 21 years of age.
