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Clofarabine ( kloh-FAYR-uh-been ) (Clolar®) What is this medication used for? Clofarabine is a medication used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that has recurred (returned) or is refractory (does not respond to treatment). It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in the body.
• Cough or shortness of breath • Reddening of the face with feelings of warmth when the drug is infusing • Constipation • Numbness and tingling in the fingers or toes (peripheral neuropathy • Dizziness • Tremor (shakiness, usually of the hands) • Shaking chills • Fainting • Low levels of oxygen in the blood, which may cause shortness of breath • Weight loss • Painful inflammation or sores in the mouth that may make swallowing difficult • Pain in bones, muscles, or joints • Liver damage (hepatotoxicity) • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) • Bleeding from the lungs, bladder, abdomen (belly), mouth, or gums, usually because of a low platelet count • Vomiting or coughing blood • Swelling and peeling on the hands and feet • Rash with redness or red bumpy rash • Occasional sudden sharp pain in the rectal area Special instructions: • Heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure (vital signs) will be checked often at the start of the medication, during the infusion, and after the medication is done. • Tell your healthcare provider if dizziness or shortness of breath occurs. • Blood tests will be done to check blood cell counts, kidney function (especially potassium, phosphorus, and uric acid) and the liver function (especially bilirubin). • Consult your healthcare provider before becoming pregnant, fathering a child, or breastfeeding. It may be important to use birth control while taking this medicine and for several months after treatment is completed. • In utero exposure may cause fetal harm.
What does it look like? • Liquid How is it given?
• Into the vein (IV) or venous access device What are the common side effects? • A fast heartbeat, which may cause pain in the chest • Feeling tired (fatigue, malaise) • Low blood pressure • Pain in the abdomen (belly) • Diarrhea • Nausea and/or vomiting • Loss of appetite • Headache • Low blood counts (e.g., white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets) that may last longer than normal • Fever and increased risk of infection, especially when white blood cell count is low • Chills • Anxiety • Changes in liver function tests • Skin rash • Itching (pruritis) What are the less common side effects? • Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) may occur with the rapid death of large numbers of tumor cells. This can lead to sleepiness, weakness, a life-threatening irregular heartbeat, or damage to the kidneys. • Cytokine release may lead to symptoms such as rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, and fluid buildup in the lungs that can cause shortness of breath. • Allergic reaction • Fluid buildup in the tissues • Changes to emotions (such as feeling depressed, anxious, agitated, irritable, or confused) • A change in alertness, concentration, and memory • Difficulty sleeping or falling asleep (insomnia) • High blood pressure
Not all of the possible side effects of this medicine and precautions related to taking it are covered in this information sheet. For a complete list of side effects and precautions, ask your healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, pharmacist) for a manufacturer’s package insert or another reference.
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