About nelarabine
Purine nucleoside antimetabolite chemotherapy
Used for
- Treatment of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia or lymphoblastic lymphoma that has not responded to, or has returned after, chemotherapy.
Usual adult dose
Usually 1,500 mg/m² intravenously over two hours on days 1, 3, and 5; repeat every 21 days.
Usual dose in children
Usually 650 mg/m² intravenously over one hour daily for five days; repeat every 21 days.
Common side effects
- Low blood cell counts and increased infection or bleeding risk
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal pain
- Fatigue, fever, headache, or dizziness
- Nerve damage, including weakness, numbness, or difficulty walking
Important warnings
- Can cause severe or sometimes irreversible nervous system damage.
- Can cause serious bone marrow suppression; blood counts require monitoring.
- Risk of nerve damage may increase with prior or concurrent neurotoxic chemotherapy.
- Treatment requires specialist supervision and careful monitoring.
Pregnancy
May harm an unborn baby. Avoid during pregnancy; effective contraception is recommended during treatment and for three months afterward.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for one week after the final dose.
Interactions
- Other medicines that suppress bone marrow may increase infection and bleeding risks.
- Other neurotoxic chemotherapy medicines may increase nervous system damage.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.