Brand name: Cytarabine (ACC) TM
Active ingredients: cytarabine
What it is used for
Cytarabine is indicated primarily for:, Induction and maintenance of remission in acute myelocytic leukaemia of both adults and children.,It has also been found to be useful in the treatment of other leukaemias such as:, Acute lymphocytic leukaemia, Chronic myelocytic leukaemia (blast phase).,Cytarabine may be used alone or in combination with other antineoplastic agents, the best results are often obtained with combination therapy.,Children with non-Hodgkins lymphoma have benefited from a combination drug program (LSA2L2) that includes cytarabine.,Remissions induced by cytarabine not followed by maintenance treatment have been brief. Maintenance therapy has extended these and provided useful and comfortable remissions with relatively little toxicity.,Cytarabine has been used intrathecally in meningeal leukaemia. Focal leukaemic involvement of the central nervous system may not respond to intrathecal cytarabine and may better be treated with radiotherapy.
How to take it
The way to take this medicine is: Intravenous. This medicine or fluids is given through a needle or tube (catheter) inserted into a vein.
- Store below 25 degrees Celsius
- Shelf lifetime is 24 Months.
You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.
Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.
Visual appearance
A clear, colourless solution in a glass vial
Do I need a prescription?
This medicine is available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is
Pregnant or planning a pregnancy?
For the active ingredient cytarabine
You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.
Download leaflet
For side effects, taking other medicines and more
Download consumer medicine information leaflet (pdf) from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website
Reporting side effects
You can help ensure medicines are safe by reporting the side effects you experience.
You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems