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Archive for the ‘antimetabolites’ Category

Trexall

Posted by admin on November 2nd, 2009

Trexall

Trexall may cause severe and sometimes fatal side effects. These may include bone marrow, blood, liver, lung, kidney, or skin problems. For this reason, Trexall is only used to treat certain patients who have life-threatening cancer or who have severe psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis that is not relieved by other treatments. Your doctor will perform lab tests to check for side effects while you take Trexall . Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments. Talk with your doctor and be sure you understand the risks and benefits of using Trexall .

Trexall may cause birth defects or fetal death. Do not use Trexall to treat psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor before you take Trexall if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Do not become pregnant while using Trexall . Talk to your doctor about using an effective form of birth control.

Certain medicines and conditions may increase your risk for side effects. Tell your doctor if you take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) (eg, ibuprofen, celecoxib) or salicylate (eg, aspirin), or if you receive radiation therapy. Tell your doctor if you have excess fluid in your stomach or around your lungs and if you have any liver, kidney, lung, blood, bone marrow, stomach, intestinal, or immune system problems. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any new or worsening symptoms, including black, tarry stools; dry, nonproductive cough; mouth sores; red, swollen, or blistered skin; severe or persistent diarrhea or vomiting; shortness of breath or trouble breathing; signs of infection (eg, fever, chills, sore throat); stomach pain; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness; or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Trexall is used for:

Treating certain types of cancer, severe psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis in certain patients. It may be used alone or with other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Trexall is an antimetabolite. It works to treat cancer and psoriasis by blocking an enzyme needed for cell growth. This helps to slow the growth of cancer cells and abnormal skin cells. Exactly how Trexall works to treat rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. It reduces symptoms of inflammation (eg, pain, swelling, stiffness) caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

Do NOT use Trexall if:

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Trexall :

Some medical conditions may interact with Trexall . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Trexall . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Trexall may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Trexall :

Use Trexall as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Trexall .

Important safety information:

Possible side effects of Trexall :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.

Dizziness; headache; loss of appetite; mild hair loss; nausea; stomach pain or upset; tiredness; vomiting.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry stools; blood in the urine; calf or leg pain or swelling; change in the amount of urine; chest pain; coma; confusion; coughing up blood; dark urine; diarrhea; difficult or painful urination; dry cough; fever, chills, or sore throat; menstrual changes; mental or mood changes; mouth sores; one-sided weakness; red, swollen, peeling, or blistered skin; seizures; severe or persistent nausea or vomiting; shortness of breath; speech changes; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual pain and discoloration of the skin; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision changes or vision loss; yellowing of skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (

Store Trexall at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Trexall out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Trexall . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

More Trexall resources

Compare Trexall with other medications for the treatment of:

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Tarabine PFS

Posted by admin on November 2nd, 2009

Tarabine PFS

Generic Name: cytarabine (sye TAR a been)

What is Tarabine PFS (cytarabine)?

Cytarabine is a cancer medication. Cytarabine interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Cytarabine is used to treat certain types of leukemia (blood cancers). Cytarabine is also used to treat leukemia associated with meningitis.

Cytarabine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Tarabine PFS (cytarabine)?

Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Before receiving cytarabine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have a breathing disorder such as asthma, or a history of stomach ulcer or bleeding.

Cytarabine can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Do not receive a “live” vaccine while you are being treated with cytarabine. The live vaccine may not work as well during this time, and may not fully protect you from disease.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving Tarabine PFS (cytarabine)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to cytarabine.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use cytarabine:

asthma or other breathing disorder; or

a history of stomach ulcer or bleeding.

How is cytarabine given?

Cytarabine is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein, under the skin, or into the space around the spinal cord. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when the medicine is injected.

Cytarabine can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your cytarabine injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, or changes in personality or behavior.

What should I avoid while receiving Tarabine PFS (cytarabine)?

Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Do not receive a “live” vaccine while you are being treated with cytarabine. The live vaccine may not work as well during this time, and may not fully protect you from disease.

Tarabine PFS (cytarabine) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;

eye pain or redness, problems with your vision;

sudden shortness of breath, dry cough;

unusual thoughts or behavior;

problems with urination;

black, bloody, or tarry stools;

coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

fever, chest pain, muscle or bone pain, skin rash, tired feeling, and redness of the eyes (may occur 6 to 12 hours after your injection).

Less serious side effects may include:

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;

mouth sores;

drowsiness, dizziness;

loss of appetite;

sores or swelling around your mouth or rectum;

sore throat;

hair loss; or

headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Tarabine PFS (cytarabine)?

Tell your doctor if you take digoxin (Lanoxin).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with cytarabine. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

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Tabloid

Posted by admin on November 2nd, 2009

Tabloid

Tabloid is used for:

Treating certain types of cancer (eg, acute nonlymphocytic leukemias). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Tabloid is an antineoplastic. It works by blocking cell protein production.

Do NOT use Tabloid if:

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Tabloid :

Some medical conditions may interact with Tabloid . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Tabloid . However, no specific interactions with Tabloid are known at this time.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Tabloid may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Tabloid :

Use Tabloid as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Tabloid .

Important safety information:

Possible side effects of Tabloid :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.

Loss of appetite; nausea; vomiting.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); cough or sore throat; dark urine; fever or chills; infection; joint pain; pale stools; severe or prolonged nausea or vomiting; stomach pain or bloating; sudden weight gain; swelling of the mouth; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual paleness; unusual tiredness; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (

Store Tabloid at room temperature, between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Tabloid out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Tabloid . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

More Tabloid resources

Compare Tabloid with other medications for the treatment of:

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Rheumatrex Dose Pack

Posted by admin on November 2nd, 2009

Rheumatrex

Rheumatrex may cause severe and sometimes fatal side effects. These may include bone marrow, blood, liver, lung, kidney, or skin problems. For this reason, Rheumatrex is only used to treat certain patients who have life-threatening cancer or who have severe psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis that is not relieved by other treatments. Your doctor will perform lab tests to check for side effects while you take Rheumatrex . Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments. Talk with your doctor and be sure you understand the risks and benefits of using Rheumatrex .

Rheumatrex may cause birth defects or fetal death. Do not use Rheumatrex to treat psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor before you take Rheumatrex if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Do not become pregnant while using Rheumatrex . Talk to your doctor about using an effective form of birth control.

Certain medicines and conditions may increase your risk for side effects. Tell your doctor if you take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) (eg, ibuprofen, celecoxib) or salicylate (eg, aspirin), or if you receive radiation therapy. Tell your doctor if you have excess fluid in your stomach or around your lungs and if you have any liver, kidney, lung, blood, bone marrow, stomach, intestinal, or immune system problems. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any new or worsening symptoms, including black, tarry stools; dry, nonproductive cough; mouth sores; red, swollen, or blistered skin; severe or persistent diarrhea or vomiting; shortness of breath or trouble breathing; signs of infection (eg, fever, chills, sore throat); stomach pain; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness; or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Rheumatrex is used for:

Treating certain types of cancer, severe psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis in certain patients. It may be used alone or with other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Rheumatrex is an antimetabolite. It works to treat cancer and psoriasis by blocking an enzyme needed for cell growth. This helps to slow the growth of cancer cells and abnormal skin cells. Exactly how Rheumatrex works to treat rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. It reduces symptoms of inflammation (eg, pain, swelling, stiffness) caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

Do NOT use Rheumatrex if:

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Rheumatrex :

Some medical conditions may interact with Rheumatrex . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Rheumatrex . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Rheumatrex may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Rheumatrex :

Use Rheumatrex as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Rheumatrex .

Important safety information:

Possible side effects of Rheumatrex :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.

Dizziness; headache; loss of appetite; mild hair loss; nausea; stomach pain or upset; tiredness; vomiting.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry stools; blood in the urine; calf or leg pain or swelling; change in the amount of urine; chest pain; coma; confusion; coughing up blood; dark urine; diarrhea; difficult or painful urination; dry cough; fever, chills, or sore throat; menstrual changes; mental or mood changes; mouth sores; one-sided weakness; red, swollen, peeling, or blistered skin; seizures; severe or persistent nausea or vomiting; shortness of breath; speech changes; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual pain and discoloration of the skin; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision changes or vision loss; yellowing of skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (

Store Rheumatrex at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Rheumatrex out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Rheumatrex . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

More Rheumatrex resources

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Oforta

Posted by admin on November 2nd, 2009

Oforta

Generic Name: oral fludarabine phosphate tablets

Oforta Patient Information

Read this Patient Information leaflet before you start taking Oforta and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your treatment.

What Is Oforta?

Oforta (oral fludarabine phosphate tablets) is a prescription anticancer medicine that slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Oforta also stops or slows the growth of some healthy cells. This can cause side effects that you should know about and report to your healthcare provider.

Oforta has not been studied in children.

What is the most important information I should know about Oforta?

On rare occasions people taking Oforta can have life-threatening symptoms. If you:

Tell your healthcare provider right away.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking Oforta?

Before taking Oforta, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Using Oforta with certain other medicines may affect each other. Using Oforta with other medicines may cause serious side effects. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them with you to show your healthcare provider.

How should I take Oforta?

What should I avoid while taking Oforta?

What are the possible side effects of Oforta?

See “What is the most important information I should know about Oforta?”

Oforta may cause serious side effects, including:

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have a temperature of 100.5 F. or above or do not feel well. Do not take a fever medicine until you check with your healthcare provider.

Oforta may cause other side effects, including:

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of Oforta. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store and throw away Oforta?

Keep Oforta and all medicines out of the reach of children.

General information about Oforta

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient information. Do not use Oforta for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Oforta to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.

This patient information leaflet summarizes the most important information about Oforta. For more information about Oforta, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about Oforta that is written for health professionals. For more information call 1-800-633-1610.

What are the ingredients in Oforta?

Active ingredients: fludarabine phosphate

Inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, colloidal anhydrous silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium and magnesium stearate. The film-coat contains hypromellose, talc, titanium dioxide (E171) and ferric oxide pigment (red/E172, yellow/E172).

More Oforta resources

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Leustatin

Posted by admin on November 2nd, 2009

Leustatin

Leustatin may decrease bone marrow function and decrease your ability to fight infection. At high doses, Leustatin may cause serious nervous system problems (eg, paralysis) and kidney problems. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection, kidney problems, or nervous system problems, such as change in amount of urine; persistent sore throat or fever; or tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.

Leustatin is used for:

Treating hairy cell leukemia.

Leustatin is a cytotoxic agent. It works by stopping the replication and repair of the tumor cells.

Do NOT use Leustatin if:

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if this applies to you.

Before using Leustatin :

Some medical conditions may interact with Leustatin . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Leustatin . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Leustatin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Leustatin :

Use Leustatin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Leustatin .

Important safety information:

Possible side effects of Leustatin :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor side effects.

Constipation; decreased appetite; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; mild tiredness or weakness; muscle or joint pain; nausea; vomiting.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); back or side pain; black, tarry stools; blood in the urine; chest pain or tightness; cough; fever, chills, or sore throat; irregular heartbeat; irritation or pain at the injection site; numbness, tingling, or burning of the hands or feet; painful or difficult urination; persistent loss of appetite, unusual feeling of fullness, or unusual weight loss; severe or persistent vomiting; severe tiredness or weakness; shortness of breath; swelling (eg, of the hands or feet); unusual bleeding or bruising; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (

Leustatin is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Leustatin at home, store Leustatin as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider.

General information:

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Leustatin . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

More Leustatin resources

Compare Leustatin with other medications for the treatment of:

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Gemzar

Posted by admin on November 2nd, 2009

Gemzar

Generic Name: gemcitabine (jem SYE ta been)

What is Gemzar?

Gemzar is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Gemzar is used to treat cancers of the pancreas, lung and breast. It is also used in combination with carboplatin to treat ovarian cancer.

Gemzar may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Gemzar

Do not receive Gemzar without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Gemzar is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. Gemzar is usually given once a week for several weeks. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 30 minutes to complete.

Gemzar can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney and liver function may also need to be checked. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Do not receive a “live” vaccine while you are being treated with Gemzar, and avoid coming into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus could be passed on to you.

If any of this medicine accidentally gets on your skin, wash the area thoroughly with soap and warm water.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving Gemzar?

Do not use Gemzar if you are allergic to gemcitabine.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use Gemzar:

if you are receiving radiation treatment.

FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not receive Gemzar without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether gemcitabine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Gemzar without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is Gemzar used?

Gemzar is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 30 minutes to complete.

Gemzar is usually given once a week for up to 7 weeks.

Gemzar can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney and liver function may also need to be checked. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

If any of this medicine accidentally gets on your skin, wash the area thoroughly with soap and warm water.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if you miss a miss an appointment to receive your Gemzar infusion.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of a Gemzar overdose may include numbness or tingly feeling, severe skin rash, fever, chills, flu symptoms, or any signs of infection.

What should I avoid while using Gemzar?

Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection.

Do not receive a “live” vaccine while you are being treated with Gemzar, and avoid coming into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus could be passed on to you.

What are the possible side effects of Gemzar?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Gemzar: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;

urinating less than usual or not at all;

nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;

sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;

sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;

fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;

pain, swelling, or skin changes where the needle was placed;

hearing problems;

blood in your urine; or

breathing problems.

Less serious Gemzar side effects may include:

mild nausea, vomiting, upset stomach;

diarrhea or constipation;

swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;

skin rash;

numbness or tingly feeling;

drowsiness; or

hair loss.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Gemzar?

There may be other drugs that can interact with Gemzar. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

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FUDR

Posted by admin on November 2nd, 2009

FUDR

Hospitalization is required for the first course of therapy because of the possibility of toxic reactions.

FUDR is used for:

Treating cancer of the stomach and intestines that has spread to the liver in patients who do not adequately respond to surgery or other therapies after surgery.

FUDR is an antineoplastic. It works by inhibiting the reproduction and growth of cancer cells.

Do NOT use FUDR if:

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using FUDR :

Some medical conditions may interact with FUDR . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with FUDR . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if FUDR may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use FUDR :

Use FUDR as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use FUDR .

Important safety information:

Possible side effects of FUDR :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.

Fatigue or weakness; hair loss; loss of appetite; nausea; stomach pain or cramps; vomiting.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry, or bloody stools; blood in the vomit; chest pain; chills; diarrhea; fever; frequent bowel movements; inflammation of the mouth; pain, redness, bleeding, or swelling at the injection site; severe bleeding; severe or prolonged stomach pain; severe or prolonged vomiting; severe tiredness or weakness; shortness of breath; sore throat; sores on the mouth or lips; swelling of the throat or mouth; unusual bruising or bleeding; vein swelling, tenderness, or inflammation; watery stools; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (

FUDR is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using FUDR at home, store FUDR as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider.

General information:

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about FUDR . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

More FUDR resources

Compare FUDR with other medications for the treatment of:

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Folotyn

Posted by admin on November 2nd, 2009

Folotyn

Generic Name: pralatrexate injection

FDA Approves Folotyn

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Folotyn (pralatrexate injection) for use as a single agent for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). Folotyn is the first and only drug approved by the FDA for this indication and represents a new treatment option for patients with relapsed or refractory PTCL. This indication is based on overall response rate. Clinical benefit such as improvement in progression free survival or overall survival has not been demonstrated.

Clinical Studies

The Folotyn approval was based on the results from PROPEL, an open-label, single-arm, multi-center, international clinical trial that enrolled 115 patients with relapsed or refractory PTCL, 109 of whom were considered evaluable for efficacy according to the trial protocol. Patients were considered evaluable if they received at least one dose of Folotyn, their diagnosis of PTCL was confirmed by independent pathology review, and they had relapsed or refractory disease after at least one prior treatment. Patients were treated with Folotyn at 30 mg/m

The primary efficacy endpoint was overall response rate (complete response, complete response unconfirmed and partial response) as assessed by International Workshop Criteria (IWC). The key secondary efficacy endpoint was duration of response. Response assessments were scheduled at the end of cycle 1 and then every other cycle (every 14 weeks). Duration of response was measured from the first day of documented response to disease progression or death. Response and disease progression were evaluated by independent central review using the IWC.

The results of the trial demonstrated that 29 of 109 evaluable patients, or 27%, responded to Folotyn. The median duration of response was 287 days, or 9.4 months (range 1-503 days). Thirteen of 109 evaluable patients had a duration of response ?

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Droxia

Posted by admin on November 2nd, 2009

Droxia

Droxia may cause severe, sometimes life-threatening side effects. With long-term use in patients with cell development disorders, secondary leukemias have been reported. It is unknown if this is related to Droxia or to the patient’s underlying cell disorder.

Droxia is used for:

Reducing the number of painful episodes and blood transfusions needed by adults with sickle cell anemia experiencing recurrent episodes associated with moderate to severe pain. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Droxia is an antineoplastic agent. Exactly how it works is unknown, but it is thought to increase the ability of deformed red blood cells to change shape, which may lessen pain associated with sickle cell anemia.

Do NOT use Droxia if:

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Droxia :

Some medical conditions may interact with Droxia . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Droxia . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Droxia may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Droxia :

Use Droxia as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Droxia .

Important safety information:

Possible side effects of Droxia :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.

Constipation; drowsiness; hair loss; inflammation of the mouth; loss of appetite; nausea; redness of the face.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood disorders, including low numbers of red or white blood cells; blood in the urine; chills; diarrhea; fever; inflammation of the pancreas; liver toxicity; lower back or abdominal pain; painful urination; persistent cough; secondary leukemia; shortness of breath; skin cancer; skin sore or lesions; sore throat; sores on the mouth or lips; unusual bruising or bleeding; vomiting.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (

Store Droxia at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Droxia out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Droxia . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

More Droxia resources

Compare Droxia with other medications for the treatment of:

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