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Cytarabine is used to treat certain types of leukemia. Common side effects include loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, rash, and diarrhea. Tell your health care provider right away if you have symptoms of an infection, fever, or muscle or bone pain. These could be symptoms of a serious side effect. Cytarabine is given as an injection by a health care provider. 

Uses

What is cytarabine used for?

Cytarabine is commonly used to treat people with certain types of blood cancer (leukemias).

Cytarabine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does cytarabine work (mechanism of action)?

Cytarabine is chemotherapy. It may work by affecting the ability of cancer cells to make their DNA. This helps stop the cancer cells from growing and multiplying, which can help slow or stop the cancer.

How is cytarabine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Cytosar-U
  • Depocyt

Dosage forms and strengths

Cytarabine is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store cytarabine?

Cytarabine is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of cytarabine?

The most common side effects of cytarabine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Loss of appetite
  • Liver problems
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever
  • Rash
  • Diarrhea
  • Blood clots
  • Mouth swelling or sores
  • Anal swelling or sores
  • Bleeding

There may be other side effects of cytarabine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medeffect-canada or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of cytarabine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of cytarabine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Cytarabine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Blood Disorders. Cytarabine can cause blood disorders, such as low red blood cell levels (anemia), low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), and low white blood cell levels (leukopenia). It is important to keep all appointments for blood tests to make sure cytarabine is safe for you. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Infections. Cytarabine can increase your risk of infections, including serious infections. Call your health care provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.

  • Burning or stinging when you pee
  • Cough or coughing up blood
  • Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Weight loss

Cytarabine (Ara-C) Syndrome. A condition known as cytarabine syndrome can happen while using cytarabine. It may happen several hours after receiving cytarabine. It can include symptoms such as fever, muscle and bone pain, chest pain, rash, weakness and tiredness, or pink eye. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these symptoms.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use cytarabine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use cytarabine.

  • Cytarabine
  • Cytosar-U
  • Depocyt
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific cytarabine products they stock.

What should I know about cytarabine before using it?

Cytarabine is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. 

It is important to attend all appointments for blood tests with your health care provider. They will use these tests to monitor your body’s response to cytarabine and make sure it is safe for you to continue using the medicine. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using cytarabine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if cytarabine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Cytarabine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using cytarabine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Cytarabine may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you can become pregnant, you should use effective birth control while using cytarabine. If you become pregnant, contact your health care provider right away. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if cytarabine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should stop breastfeeding or stop cytarabine.

Vaccines. Talk to your health care provider about any vaccines that you may need. You may not be able to receive certain vaccines right before or while using cytarabine. Tell your health care provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.

Interactions

Does cytarabine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between cytarabine and foods or drinks.


It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect cytarabine, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight cancer. 

Does cytarabine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using cytarabine.

  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat an irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
  • An aminoglycoside antibiotic, such as gentamicin, which is given by injection to treat infections
  • Any other medicines that can weaken your immune system

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with cytarabine. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much cytarabine?

If you or someone else has used too much cytarabine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of cytarabine?

Cytarabine is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving cytarabine as scheduled. If you miss an appointment to get your cytarabine dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.