Cytarabine (Pfizer) TM
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.
Active ingredients: cytarabine
Brand name
(ARTG)
: Pfizer (Australia) CYTARABINE 2g/20mL injection vialDownload the Consumer Medicine Information Leaflet
Download consumer medicine information leaflet (pdf) from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website
What this medicine is used for
(ARTG)
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 (blastphase) and erythroleukaemia. May be used alone or in combination with other antineoplastic agents, the best results often being obtained with combination therapy. Children with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma have benefited from a combination drug program (LSA 2L2) that includes cytarabine. INDICATIONS AS AT 24 OCTOBER 2001: 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 combined therapy. Children with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma have benefited from a combination drug program (LSA212) 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 use this medicine
(ARTG)
This medicine contains one component only.
Component :
- Injection, solution
- Intravenous
- Clear, colourless to almost pale-yellow aqueous solution, free from visible particles.
Storage conditions
(ARTG)
- Store between 15-25 degrees Celsius
- Protect from Light
- Shelf lifetime is 18 Months.
Do I need a prescription ?
(ARTG)
These medicine packs are available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is
- 1 x 20mL pack
Pregnant or planning a pregnancy ?
(AHT)
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.
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
