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Clofarabine

Generic name: clofarabine [ kloe-FAR-a-been ]
Brand name: Clolar
Dosage form: intravenous solution (1 mg/mL)
Drug class: Antimetabolites

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 2, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is clofarabine?

Clofarabine is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (a type of blood cancer) in children and young adults up to 21 years old.

Clofarabine is usually given after other treatments have failed.

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

Clofarabine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Seek medical attention right away if you have signs of inflammation in your body: flu-like symptoms, fast heartbeats, sudden swelling or shortness of breath, rapid breathing, or feeling light-headed.

Clofarabine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of clofarabine may include:

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.

Warnings

Seek medical attention right away if you have signs of inflammation in your body: fever, fast heartbeats, sudden swelling or shortness of breath, rapid breathing, or feeling light-headed.

clofarabine can cause life-threatening side effects including serious infections, bleeding, or harm to your liver or kidneys.

Call your doctor at once if you have: fever, chills, pale skin, trouble breathing, sudden numbness or weakness, problems with vision or speech, stomach pain or swelling, bruising, decreased urination, rapid weight gain, dark urine, yellowing of your skin or eyes, blood in your urine or stools, or if you cough up blood.

Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you have recently been sick with flu symptoms or diarrhea, or if you have ever had:

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.

Clofarabine can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using this medicine.

This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in both men and women. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because clofarabine can harm an unborn baby.

Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.

How is clofarabine given?

Clofarabine is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

clofarabine must be given slowly, and the infusion can take at least 2 hours to complete.

Clofarabine is usually given daily for 5 days in a row every 2 to 6 weeks. Your doctor will determine how many treatment cycles you will receive and how often.

You may receive other medications to help prevent certain side effects of clofarabine.

Clofarabine can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. Your blood will need to be tested often. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests.

Clofarabine dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia:

18 to less than 22 years:
52 mg/m2 IV over 2 hours daily for 5 consecutive days of a 28-day cycle; repeat every 2 to 6 weeks

Comments:
-Subsequent cycles should begin no sooner than 14 days from day 1 of the previous cycle.
-Subsequent cycles may be administered when the ANC is greater than or equal to 750/mm3.
-Provide supportive care, such as IV fluids, antihyperuricemics, and alkalinization of urine throughout therapy to reduce the risk of tumor lysis and other adverse events.
-Monitor renal, hepatic, and cardiac function during therapy.
-Monitor patients taking medications known to affect blood pressure.
-Discontinue therapy if hypotension develops during the 5 days of administration.

Use: For patients 1 to 21 years old with relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia after at least 2 prior regimens

Usual Pediatric Dose for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia:

1 year and older:
52 mg/m2 IV over 2 hours daily for 5 consecutive days of a 28-day cycle; repeat every 2 to 6 weeks

Comments:
-Subsequent cycles should begin no sooner than 14 days from day 1 of the previous cycle.
-Subsequent cycles may be administered when the ANC is greater than or equal to 750/mm3.
-Provide supportive care, such as IV fluids, antihyperuricemics, and alkalinization of urine throughout therapy to reduce the risk of tumor lysis and other adverse events.
-Monitor renal, hepatic, and cardiac function during therapy.
-Monitor patients taking medications known to affect blood pressure.
-Discontinue therapy if hypotension develops during the 5 days of administration.

Use: For patients 1 to 21 years old with relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia after at least 2 prior regimens

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your clofarabine injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Since clofarabine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while receiving clofarabine?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

What other drugs will affect clofarabine?

Clofarabine can harm your liver or kidneys, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, tuberculosis, birth control, hormone replacement, high cholesterol, heart problems, high blood pressure, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, seizures, pain, or arthritis (including Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, or Aleve).

Other drugs may affect clofarabine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.