Fludarabine (fludarabine phosphate)
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Fludarabine phosphate, a synthetic purine antagonist, is an antimetabolite antineoplastic agent.
USES: This medication is used to treat leukemia and other cancers. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
Generic name: fludarabine phosphate
Pronunciation: (flew-DARE-uh-bean)
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Fludarabine
Indications
The following indications are listed for Fludarabine:
- Progressive Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Also known as: Progressive Cll, Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Refractory Cll.
Dosing
Because fludarabine (2-fluoro-ara-A), the principal systemically circulating form of fludarabine phosphate, appears to be eliminated mainly unchanged in urine, with total body clearance of this metabolite being directly correlated with creatinine clearance, the drug should be administered cautiously in patients with impaired renal function, including geriatric patients. Close monitoring for potential excessive toxicity is necessary; dosage should be adjusted accordingly. The manufacturer recommends a 20% reduction in fludarabine dosage and close monitoring in adults with moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance 30-70 mL/minute per 1.73 m2). Use of fludarabine is not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/minute per 1.73 m2).
No dosing information is available for this tab.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Drug interactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.
There are no severe interactions for this drug.
There are no moderate interactions for this drug.
Contraindications
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There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.
There are no severe contraindications for this drug.
There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.
Adverse reactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
There are no severe adverse reactions for this drug.
There are no less severe adverse reactions for this drug.
Precautions
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Fludarabine can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women, but potential benefits from use of the drug may be acceptable in certain conditions despite the possible risks to the fetus. Teratogenicity studies in animals have demonstrated that the drug induces skeletal malformations and external deformities at dosages similar to or less than the usual human dosage (on a mg/kg basis). There are no adequate and controlled studies in pregnant women. Women of childbearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant while receiving fludarabine, and the drug should be used during pregnancy only in life-threatening situations or severe disease for which safer drugs cannot be used or are ineffective. If fludarabine is administered during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking the drug, the patient should be informed of the potential hazard to the fetus.
It is not known whether fludarabine is distributed into milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions to fludarabine in nursing infants if the drug were distributed into milk, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the woman.
No enhanced messaging available.
ICD codes
No ICD codes are available for this drug.
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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