Often used for:
Leukemia
About clofarabine
Clofarabine is a chemotherapy medicine that works by slowing or stopping the growth of cells. Patients will have regular blood tests to monitor blood counts and kidney and liver function.
Possible side effects
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Hand-foot syndrome (tingling of the hands and feet, redness and flaking of the skin)
- Rash
- Flushing of the skin
- Itching
- Fast heartbeat
- Fast breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Liver problems
- Low blood pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dry, irritated skin
- Dizziness or fainting
- Decreased urination
- Low blood counts (may increase the risk of infection, bleeding, anemia, and/or fatigue)
- High blood pressure
- Not all patients who take clofarabine will experience these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.
Tips for families
- Discuss all questions and instructions with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially if vomiting or diarrhea occurs.
- The doctor may recommend lotion to manage hand-foot syndrome symptoms such as tingling, redness, dryness, and itching.
- Sexually active patients should prevent pregnancy during treatment and for 6 months after therapy.
- Tell the doctor if the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Caregivers should avoid contact with patient body fluids for 48 hours after treatment and follow safe handling instructions.
