Chemo Drugs
Fludara (Fludarabine Phosphate)
What Does It Look Like?
Clear liquid
How Is It Given?
Intravenous (vein)
Why Am I Taking It?
Fludara is an anti-cancer drug that stops cell growth and division. It is used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia and some cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
What Side Effects May Occur?
You may experience some, all, or none of those listed. Most side effects do not last long. Tell the doctor or nurse about any that you notice. The information here does not include all possible side effects; others may occur. Please report any problems to your doctor.
Fever, Chills, Fatigue, Infection, Pain
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You will be watched closely for these side effects and they will be handled on an individual basis. Tell the doctor or nurse if they occur or if you become uncomfortable.
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Medication will be available to help if they occur.
Low Blood Counts
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A drop in blood cell counts usually occurs about 13-16 days after treatment.
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Blood tests will be done to monitor your blood cell counts.
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Call you doctor about any signs of bleeding or infection. Avoid situations where you may be exposed to people with infections.
Nervous System
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May have weakness, agitation, confusion, loss of vision, hearing loss, or headache.
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May have numbness or tingling of the hands or feet or both.
Lungs
Nausea, Vomiting, Appetite Loss
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Medications will be available to help control the nausea and vomiting if they occur.
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May have diarrhea or bleeding from your stomach or bowels. Call your doctor if the diarrhea does not go away, you notice blood in your stools, or if your stools look tarry. Drink plenty of fluids so you don't become dehydrated. (2-3 quarts a day)
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Mouth sores may develop. Inspect your mouth daily. Rinse after meals and at bedtime with a mild salt water solution. Call the doctor if you notice any sores or bleeding.
Other Possible Side Effects
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May develop an accumulation of fluid, called edema, usually in your feet and ankles.
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May develop a skin rash.
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May be an imbalance of the chemical components of your body as the chemotherapy kills the cancer cells. This could affect your kidneys ability to eliminate waste products from your body. The first signs of this could be flank pain or blood in your urine. Call your doctor if these occur, if you do not urinate as much as usual, or if the urine is much darker than usual.
Special Notes
Changes in your menstrual cycle or sperm count may occur. Discuss birth control measures with your doctor as it is not advisable to conceive or to father children while taking this drug.
