cytarabine liposomal

Generic Name: cytarabine liposomal (sye TAR a been LYE poe SOE mal)

Brand Names: DepoCyt

What is cytarabine liposomal?

Cytarabine liposomal is a cancer medication. Cytarabine liposomal interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Cytarabine liposomal is used to treat lymphoma associated with meningitis.

Cytarabine liposomal may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about cytarabine liposomal?

Do not use cytarabine liposomal if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to cytarabine or if you have an active meningitis infection.

Before you receive cytarabine liposomal, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and any other medications you use. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use cytarabine liposomal.

Tell your caregivers at once if you have nausea and vomiting with headache and fever. These may be early signs of central nervous system damage. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as neck stiffness or pain, extreme drowsiness, confusion, personality changes, seizure, loss of muscle control, problems with vision or hearing, severe numbness or tingling, or loss of bladder or bowel control.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving cytarabine liposomal?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to cytarabine liposomal or if you have an active meningitis infection.

Before you receive cytarabine liposomal, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and any other medications you use. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use cytarabine liposomal:

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use cytarabine liposomal if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether cytarabine liposomal passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are receiving this medication.

How is cytarabine liposomal given?

Cytarabine liposomal is given as an injection through a needle placed into the space around your spinal cord. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.

Tell your caregivers at once if you have nausea and vomiting with headache and fever. These may be early signs of central nervous system damage. To be sure cytarabine liposomal is not causing harmful effects, your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any follow-up appointments.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your cytarabine liposomal injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, headache and fever, confusion, and changes in personality or behavior.

What should I avoid while receiving cytarabine liposomal?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Cytarabine liposomal side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

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  nausea and vomiting with headache and fever;

  
  


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  neck stiffness or pain, seizure (convulsions);

  
  


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  extreme drowsiness, loss of muscle control;

  
  


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  confusion, personality changes, problems with memory or concentration, sleep problems, agitation;

  
  


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  problems with speech, vision, hearing, or balance,

  
  


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  numbness, tingling, or burning pain that interferes with daily activities;

  
  


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  loss of bladder or bowel control;

  
  


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  pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate;

  
  


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  easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin; or

  
  


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  flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  mild nausea or vomiting;

  
  


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  diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain;

  
  


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  swelling in your hands or feet;

  
  


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  dizziness, tired feeling;

  
  


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  joint pain, back pain; or

  
  


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  pain in your arms or legs.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Cytarabine liposomal Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Meningitis -- Lymphomatous:

Cytarabine liposomal for the intrathecal treatment of lymphomatous meningitis:

Induction Therapy: cytarabine liposome injection 50 mg, administered intrathecally (intraventricular or lumbar puncture) every 14 days for 2 doses (weeks 1 and 3).

Consolidation Therapy: cytarabine liposome injection 50 mg, administered intrathecally (intraventricular or lumbar puncture) every 14 days for 3 doses (weeks 5, 7 and 9) followed by one additional dose at week 13.

Maintenance: cytarabine liposome injection 50 mg, administered intrathecally (intraventricular or lumbar puncture) every 28 days for 4 doses (weeks 17, 21, 25 and 29).

What other drugs will affect cytarabine liposomal?

There may be other drugs that can interact with cytarabine liposomal. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More cytarabine liposomal resources

• Cytarabine liposomal Side Effects (in more detail)
• Cytarabine liposomal Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Cytarabine liposomal Drug Interactions
• Cytarabine liposomal Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Cytarabine liposomal - Add your own review/rating

• Cytarabine Liposomal Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)


• DepoCyt Prescribing Information (FDA)


• DepoCyt Monograph (AHFS DI)


• DepoCyt MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Depocyt Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

Compare cytarabine liposomal with other medications

• Meningitis, Lymphomatous

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about cytarabine liposomal.

See also: cytarabine liposomal side effects (in more detail)