Cytarabine Injection, is used for intravenous, intrathecal or subcutaneous administration. It is a sterile solution of Cytarabine. Cytarabine Injection (Cytarabine) belongs to a group of drugs which are known as "antineoplastics”. These drugs are also called as cancer drugs or chemotherapy. Cytarabine Injection (Cytarabine) is useful in the treatment of several types of cancers. By interfering in the growth of cancer cells, it helps in slowing down or stopping the growth of cancer cells. It also suppresses the immune system. Cytarabine Injection (Cytarabine) is generally given in combination with other cancer drugs.
Cytarabine Injection (Cytarabine) further contains few other inactive ingredients which are sodium chloride and Water for Injection. Cytarabine is a crystalline powder which is odorless and white to off-white in color. It is freely soluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol and in chloroform.
The levels of blood cells can be assessed and the functions of some organ systems can be monitored through blood tests. Physical examinations, scans, or other measures can be useful to examine the side effects and response to therapy.
There is no availability of any antidote for overdosing of Cytarabine Injection (Cytarabine). Extreme drowsiness or changes in personality or behavior may be the symptoms of overdose of Cytarabine Injection (Cytarabine). Contact your physician, if you have missed a dose of Cytarabine Injection (Cytarabine).

Patients who are hypersensitive to the drug should not be administered Cytarabine Injection (Cytarabine). Few of the side effects of Cytarabine Injection (Cytarabine) can be reduced by modification in diet such as eating several small meals or by limiting activity.

Cytarabine Injection (Cytarabine) is not to be administered orally but is to beadministered intravenously, intrathecally or subcutaneously. The dose and the mode of administration vary according to the program of therapy. This medication should be continued, even if the patient feels nauseated or experiences vomiting. Large quantity of fluid should be consumed while using this medication as it aids the kidneys in eliminating the drug from the body and aids in avoiding few side effects.

Several side effects are experienced because of Cytarabine Injection (Cytarabine). Few of them are as follows: - nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, headache, diarrhea, dizziness, temporary hair loss, etc.

Few drugs that interact with Cytarabine Injection (Cytarabine) are as follows:-
• Digoxin
• Fluorocytosine
• Gentamicin
• Vaccines
• Echinacea
• Natalizumab
• Trastuzumab

Cytarabine Injection (Cytarabine) is useful in acute non-lymphocytic leukemia of adults and pediatric patients, in the treatment of acute lymphocytic leukemia and in the blast phase of chronic myelocytic leukemia. Intrathecal administration of Cytarabine Injection (Cytarabine) can be useful as prophylaxis and in the treatment of meningeal leukemia.

This medication should be stored at room temperature and away from heat, moisture, and light. It should be kept far from the reach of children. A separate container should be kept for the used needles, medicine bag or bottles, and tubes.

• You should inform your physician if you suffer from kidney or liver problems, gout, infections, allergies (especially drug allergies), bleeding problems, recent or ongoing radiation therapy, etc.
• Cytarabine (Cytarabine) should not be used during pregnancy and during breast feeding.
• When you are using this drug, you should avoid been in close contact with people having colds, flu or any contagious illnesses.
• When been treated with Cytarabine (Cytarabine), avoid receiving a live vaccine.