Cytarzer 500 Injection

Description of Cytarzer 500 (Cytarabine 500 mg) injection

Cytarabine, which is a part of Cytarzer 500 injection, is an antimetabolite drug that falls in the category of antineoplastic drugs, i.e., a pyrimidine analog. It is commonly employed to treat hematological malignancies particularly leukemias. Cytarabine acts by disrupting the human DNA production in cells that tend to divide very fast thus preventing the further growth of cancer cells. It is very specific to those cells that are at the S-phase of cell cycle hence it is very effective against the rapidly-growing cancerous cells.

Indications of Cytarzer 500 (Cytarabine 500 mg) injection

Cytarabine is applied in the treatment of: The initial one is acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) may be considered a type of chronic lymphoblastic leukemia (CLL). This is a chemotherapy agent that is commonly administered in combination with other agents

Mechanism of action of Cytarzer 500 (Cytarabine 500 mg) injection

The cytarabine is transformed into its active form (cytarabine triphosphate) in the cell which suppresses the DNA polymerase. This inhibits the division of the cell and the synthesis of the DNA. Cancerous cells are most susceptible to this action, hence cell death, given that cancer cells divide very fast.

How to consume Cytarzer 500 (Cytarabine 500 mg) injection

The use of cytarabine is done as intravenous, subcutaneous or intrathecal injection as per the treatment regimen. Its dosage is determined by the surface area of a body and administered in cycles under a strict medical control.

Side Effects of Cytarzer 500 (Cytarabine 500 mg) injection

1. Common side effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Mouth ulcers

2. Serious side effects

• Bone marrow suppression
• Severe infections
• Neurotoxicity
• Hepatotoxicity

3. Rare side effects

• Pulmonary toxicity
• Hypersensitivity reactions

Safety Advice for Cytarzer 500 (Cytarabine 500 mg) injection

The use of cytarabine is done as intravenous, subcutaneous or intrathecal injection as per the treatment regimen. Its dosage is determined by the surface area of a body and administered in cycles under a strict medical control.

Close monitoring of patients on Cytarabine needs to be done through periodic blood tests, liver, and neurological examination since the drug may have a severe impact on the bone marrow and central nervous system.

Breastfeeding: Cytarabine is not to be used when one is breastfeeding since it can find its way into the breast milk and cause damages to the baby.

Pregnancy: Pregnancy should be avoided because of its teratogenic and cytotoxic effects.

Alcohol: Alcohol must not be used because this may enhance liver toxicity and aggravate gastrointestinal side effects.

Liver: The patients with liver problems should be observed because the medication has the potential to aggravate the hepatic dysfunction.

Lungs: It should report any kind of breathlessness or cough because pulmonary toxicity can be experienced in some few cases.

Kidney: The renal function is to be observed and in this therapy, it might be higher and thus toxicity may be more intense.

Driving: Patients can have dizziness or neurological conditions, therefore, they should not drive in case they have such problems.

Interaction of Cytarzer 500 (Cytarabine 500 mg) injection

• Drug–Drug Interaction

Digoxin × Cytarabine

Digoxin absorption may decrease with the use of cytarabine, which also has a negative impact on its effect.

Flucytosine × Cytarabine

May inhibit the action of antifungal agents, which is manifested through its uptake.

Cytarabine +Other myelosuppressive drugs.

May predisposes towards serious bone marrow suppression and infections.

Methotrexate × Cytarabine

Combination can be more toxic but in some cases can be used in a therapeutic manner.

Live vaccines × Cytarabine

This should be avoided because it has the risk of being infected.

• Drug–Food Interaction

None of the food interaction is significant since Cytarabine is parenterally administered. Nevertheless, during treatment, it is necessary to keep the nutrition and hydration.

• Drug–Disease Interaction of Cytarzer 500 (Cytarabine 500 mg) injection

Bone marrow suppression:

Cytarabine also has great anti-myelopoiesis effects, and it predisposes patients to anemia, infections, and bleeding.

Liver disease:

Drug toxicity can be aggravated with impaired liver functioning which should be closely monitored.

Neurological disorders:

The overdose of Cytarabine can be neurotoxic particularly when it is administered to patients with underlying neurological disorder.

Renal impairment:

Between reduced kidney functionality, accumulation and toxicity may be caused.

Contraindication of Cytarzer 500 (Cytarabine 500 mg) injection

Should be avoided in hypersensitivity, acute bone marrow depression as well as in pregnancy.

Dosage of Cytarzer 500 (Cytarabine 500 mg) injection

It comes in cycles of doses which are pegged on the body surface area in combination chemotherapy. The dosage might need to be changed based on the patient tolerance.

Storage of Cytarzer 500 (Cytarabine 500 mg) injection

Keep in the recommended conditions and avoid light and heat as well as keep away children.

Missed Dose of Cytarzer 500 (Cytarabine 500 mg) injection

It comes in cycles of doses which are pegged on the body surface area in combination chemotherapy. The dosage might need to be changed based on the patient tolerance.

Other General Information of Cytarzer 500 (Cytarabine 500 mg) injection

Regular follow-up visits are to be made by the patients to determine response and toxicity. The symptoms like fever, bleeding or any neurological changes are to be reported as early as possible.

FAQs of Cytarzer 500 (Cytarabine 500 mg) injection

1 What is the primary reason why Cytarabine is used in leukemia?

Since it selectively attacks the rapidly growing blood cells and is very useful in cancerous cells of the blood.

2. Does Cytarabine have any influence on the brain?

Yes, particularly at high doses, it can be neurotoxic, i.e. it can make one confused or have difficulties with coordination.

3. What are the blood tests significant in the treatment?

To observe the bone marrow suppression and identify the complications in time.

4. Is Cytarabine able to predispose to infection?

Yes, patients because of low white blood cells are easily susceptible to infections.

5. Does it make use of combination therapy?

Yes, Cytarabine is frequently combined with other chemotherapy drugs and it is more effective.

Fact Box of Cytarzer 500 (Cytarabine 500 mg) injection

References

• FDA Prescribing Information – Cytarabine
  https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/016857s060lbl.pdf
• European Medicines Agency (EMA) – Cytarabine Product Information
  https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/cytarabine-epar-product-information_en.pdf
• DrugBank – Cytarabine
  https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00987
• National Cancer Institute (NCI) – Cytarabine
  https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/cytarabine