Cytarabine Liposomal intrathecal injection

What is this medication?

CYTARABINE LIPOSOMAL (sye TARE a been LIP oh som al) is a chemotherapy drug that is given into the spinal fluid. It is used to treat lymphoma in the fluid surrounding the brain.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): DepoCyt

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•infection

•recent or ongoing radiation therapy

•an unusual or allergic reaction to cytarabine or ARA-C, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is only for injection into the spinal fluid. It is administered in a hospital or clinic by a doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your doctor for checks on your progress. You will receive dexamethasone for 5 days starting on the day you receive this drug. Take the dexamethasone exactly as directed as it will help to decrease some of the serious side effects of this drug.

Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

•back pain

•changes in vision

•feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

•fever

•headache

•nausea

•pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

•seizures

•stiff neck

•unsteady in walking

•vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•confusion

•dizziness

•feeling tired and weak

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.