fludarabine (injection)

Skip to the navigation

Pronunciation: floo DAR a been

Brand: Fludara

What is the most important information I should know about fludarabine?

You should not receive fludarabine if you are also being treated with a cancer medicine called pentostatin (Nipent).


What is fludarabine?


Fludarabine is used to treat B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Fludarabine is usually given after other cancer medications have been tried without successful response to treatment.

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before I receive fludarabine?

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

To make sure you can safely take fludarabine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

  • kidney disease;
  • bone marrow problems or a weak immune system;
  • any active infection;
  • a history of skin cancer; or
  • a history of a viral infection such as herpes zoster (shingles), Epstein-Barr, or a virus affecting the central nervous system.

Do not use fludarabine if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.

Use birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are receiving fludarabine, whether you are a man or a woman. Keep using birth control for at least 6 months after your treatment ends. Fludarabine 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 receiving fludarabine.

How is fludarabine given?


Fludarabine is usually given 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.

Fludarabine can be harmful if it gets in your eyes, mouth, or nose, or on your skin. If skin contact occurs, wash the area with soap and water or rinse the eyes thoroughly with plain water.


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

What happens if I miss a dose?


What happens if I overdose?


What should I avoid while receiving fludarabine?




What are the possible side effects of fludarabine?


Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine;
  • cough with yellow or green mucus, stabbing chest pain, feeling short of breath;
  • black, bloody, or tarry stools;
  • coughing up blood;
  • lower back pain, blood in your urine;
  • urinating less than usual or not at all;
  • numbness or tingly feeling around your mouth, fast or slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting;
  • muscle weakness, tightness, or contraction, overactive reflexes;
  • drowsiness, mood changes, increased thirst, swelling, rapid weight gain;
  • vision problems, headache or pain behind your eyes, changes in behavior, confusion, agitation, seizure (convulsions); or
  • severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.

Common side effects may include:

  • mild nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea;
  • mild itching or skin rash;
  • headache;
  • muscle pain; or
  • tired feeling.


What other drugs will affect fludarabine?


Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about fludarabine.



Copyright 1996-2018 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 7.05. Revision date: 10/20/2015.
