About cladribine
Purine nucleoside antimetabolite
Used for
- Treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults
Usual adult dose
Multiple sclerosis: cumulative 3.5 mg/kg over two years, given as two yearly treatment courses; each course is divided into short treatment weeks.
Common side effects
- Low white blood cell counts
- Infections, including shingles
- Headache
- Nausea
Important warnings
- Can cause serious birth defects; pregnancy must be excluded before treatment.
- Avoid pregnancy during treatment and for six months after each yearly course.
- May increase cancer risk; screening is required before treatment.
- Avoid live vaccines during treatment and until immune recovery.
Pregnancy
Do not use during pregnancy; it may cause fetal harm.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for one week after the last dose.
Interactions
- Other medicines that suppress the immune system may increase infection risk.
- Medicines that lower blood cell counts may increase blood-related complications.
- Hormonal contraceptives may be less reliable; use an additional barrier method during treatment and for four weeks afterward.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.