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Chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Treatment of progressive or refractory B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
Canadian labeling: Second-line treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL); second-line treatment of low-grade, refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)
Hypersensitivity of fludarabine or any component of the formulation
Canadian labeling: Additional contraindications (not in US labeling): Severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/minute); decompensated hemolytic anemia; concurrent use with pentostatin
Ensure that fludarabine is administered under the supervision of a qualified health care provider experienced in the use of antineoplastic therapy.
Bone marrow suppression:Fludarabine can severely suppress bone marrow function.
Autoimmune effects:Instances of life-threatening and sometimes fatal autoimmune phenomena, such as acquired hemophilia, autoimmune thrombocytopenia/thrombocytopenic purpura, Evan syndrome, and hemolytic anemia, have been reported to occur after 1 or more cycles of treatment with fludarabine. Evaluate and closely monitor patients undergoing treatment with fludarabine for hemolysis.
Neurotoxicity:When used at high doses in dose-ranging studies in patients with acute leukemia, fludarabine was associated with severe neurologic effects, including blindness, coma, and death. This severe CNS toxicity occurred in 36% of patients treated with dosages approximately 4 times more (96 mg/m2/day for 5 to 7 days) than the recommended dosage. Similar severe CNS toxicity, including agitation, coma, confusion, and seizures, has been reported rarely (0.2% or less) in patients treated at doses in the range of the dose recommended for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
In combination with Pentostatin:In a clinical investigation using fludarabine in combination with pentostatin (deoxycoformycin) for the treatment of refractory CLL, there was an unacceptably high incidence of fatal pulmonary toxicity. Therefore, the use of fludarabine in combination with pentostatin is not recommended.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), progressive or refractory:
IV: 25 mg/m2/day for 5 days every 28 days
Oral (Canadian labeling; not available in U.S.): 40 mg/m2 once daily for 5 days every 28 days
CLL combination regimens (off-label dosing): IV:
FC: 30 mg/m2/day for 3 days every 28 days for 6 cycles (in combination with cyclophosphamide) (Eichhorst, 2006) or 20 mg/m2/day for 5 days every 28 days for 6 cycles (in combination with cyclophosphamide) (Flinn, 2007)
FCR: 25 mg/m2/day for 3 days every 28 days for 6 cycles (in combination with cyclophosphamide and rituximab) (Keating, 2005; Robak, 2010; Wierda, 2005)
FR: 25 mg/m2/day for 5 days every 28 days for 6 cycles (in combination with rituximab) (Byrd, 2003)
OFAR: 30 mg/m2/day for 2 days every 28 days for 6 cycles (in combination with oxaliplatin, cytarabine, and rituximab) (Tsimberidou, 2008)
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), high-risk patients (off-label use): IV: 30 mg/m2/day for 5 days induction therapy, followed by post remission therapy of 30 mg/m2/day for 4 days every other cycle (in combination with cytarabine with or without filgrastim) (Borthakur, 2008)
AML, refractory (off-label use): IV: 30 mg/m2/day for 5 days (in combination with cytarabine and filgrastim), may repeat once for partial remission (Montillo, 1998) or 30 mg/m2/day for 5 days for 1 or 2 cycles (in combination with cytarabine, idarubicin, and filgrastim) (Virchis, 2004)
Non-Hodgkin lymphomas: IV:
Canadian labeling: 25 mg/m2 for 5 days every 28 days; dosage adjustment may be necessary for hematologic or nonhematologic toxicity.
Follicular lymphoma (off-label use):
FCR: 25 mg/m2/day for 3 days every 21 days for 4 cycles (in combination with cyclophosphamide and rituximab) (Sacchi, 2007)
FCMR: 25 mg/m2/day for 3 days every 28 days for 4 cycles (in combination with cyclophosphamide, mitoxantrone, and rituximab) (Forstpointner, 2004; Forstpointner, 2006)
FND: 25 mg/m2/day for 3 days every 28 days for up to 8 cycles (in combination with mitoxantrone and dexamethasone) (McLaughlin, 1996; Tsimberidou, 2002)
FNDR: 25 mg/m2/day for 3 days every 28 days for up to 8 cycles (in combination with mitoxantrone, dexamethasone, and rituximab) (McLaughlin, 2000)
FR: 25 mg/m2/day for 5 days every 28 days for 6 cycles (in combination with rituximab) (Czuczman, 2005)
Mantle cell lymphoma (off-label use):
FC: 20 mg/m2/day for 4 to 5 days or 25 mg/m2/day for 3-5 days (in combination with cyclophosphamide) (Cohen, 2001)
FCMR: 25 mg/m2/day for 3 days every 28 days for 4 cycles (in combination with cyclophosphamide, mitoxantrone, and rituximab) (Forstpointner, 2004; Forstpointner, 2006)
Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (off-label use): IV: 25 mg/m2/day for 5 days every 28 days (Foran, 1999) or 25 mg/m2/day for 5 days every 28 days for 6 cycles (in combination with rituximab) (Treon, 2009)
Stem cell transplant (allogeneic) conditioning regimen, reduced-intensity, (off-label use): IV: 30 mg/m2/dose for 6 doses beginning 10 days prior to transplant or 30 mg/m2/dose for 5 days beginning 6 days prior to transplant (in combination with busulfan with or without antithymocyte globulin) (Schetelig, 2003)
Stem cell transplant (allogeneic) nonmyeloablative conditioning regimen (off-label use): IV: 30 mg/m2/dose for 3 doses beginning 5 days prior to transplant (in combination with cyclophosphamide and rituximab) (Khouri, 2008) or 30 mg/m2/dose for 3 doses beginning 4 days prior to transplant (in combination with total body irradiation) (Rezvani, 2008)
Refer to adult dosing.
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (off-label use): IV: 10.5 mg/m2 bolus infusion followed by a continuous infusion of 30.5 mg/m2/day for 48 hours (Lange, 2008)
Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) or AML, relapsed (off-label use): IV: 10.5 mg/m2 bolus over 15 minutes followed by a continuous infusion of 30.5 mg/m2/day for 48 hours (Avramis, 1998)
Stem cell transplant (allogeneic) conditioning regimen, reduced-intensity (off-label use): IV: 30 mg/m2/dose for 6 doses beginning 7-10 days prior to transplant (in combination with busulfan and antithymocyte globulin) (Pulsipher, 2009)
U.S. labeling: Adults: CLL: IV:
CrCl 50-79 mL/minute: Decrease dose to 20 mg/m2.
CrCl 30-49 mL/minute: Decrease dose to 15 mg/m2.
CrCl <30 mL/minute: Avoid use.
Canadian labeling: CLL (Oral, IV), NHL (IV):
CrCl 30-70 mL/minute: Reduce dose by up to 50%.
CrCl <30 mL/minute: Use is contraindicated.
The following guidelines have been used by some clinicians: Aronoff, 2007: IV:
Adults:
CrCl 10-50 mL/minute: Administer 75% of dose.
CrCl <10 mL/minute: Administer 50% of dose.
Hemodialysis: Administer after dialysis
Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD): Administer 50% of dose.
Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT): Administer 75% of dose.
Children:
CrCl 30-50 mL/minute: Administer 80% of dose.
CrCl <30 mL/minute: Not recommended.
Hemodialysis: Administer 25% of dose
Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD): Not recommended.
Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT): Administer 80% of dose.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturers labeling.
Hazardous agent; use appropriate precautions for handling and disposal (NIOSH 2014 [group 1]).
Lyophilized vials: Reconstitute with 2 mL SWFI; further dilute in 100 to 125 mL D5W or NS.
Solution for injection: Dilute in 100 to 125 mL D5W or NS.
IV: The manufacturer recommends administering over ~30 minutes. Continuous infusions and IV bolus over 15 minutes have been used for some off-label protocols (refer to individual studies for infusion rate details).
Oral: Tablet [Canadian product] may be administered with or without food; should be swallowed whole with water; do not chew, break, or crush.
Hazardous agent; use appropriate precautions for handling and disposal (NIOSH 2014 [group 1]).
IV: Store intact vials under refrigeration or at room temperature, as specified according to each manufacturer 's labeling. Reconstituted solution or vials of the solution for injection that have been punctured (in use) should be used within 8 hours.
Tablet [Canadian product]: Store at 15 ‚ °C to 30 ‚ °C (59 ‚ °F to 86 ‚ °F); should be kept within packaging until use.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product
Solution, Intravenous, as phosphate:
Generic: 50 mg/2 mL (2 mL)
Solution, Intravenous, as phosphate [preservative free]:
Generic: 50 mg/2 mL (2 mL [DSC])
Solution Reconstituted, Intravenous, as phosphate:
Fludara: 50 mg (1 ea)
Generic: 50 mg (1 ea)
Solution Reconstituted, Intravenous, as phosphate [preservative free]:
Generic: 50 mg (1 ea)
Stable in D5W, NS.
Y-site administration: Incompatible with acyclovir, amphotericin B, chlorpromazine, daunorubicin, ganciclovir, hydroxyzine, prochlorperazine edisylate.
BCG (Intravesical): Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of BCG (Intravesical). Avoid combination
BCG (Intravesical): Myelosuppressive Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of BCG (Intravesical). Avoid combination
CloZAPine: Myelosuppressive Agents may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of CloZAPine. Specifically, the risk for neutropenia may be increased. Monitor therapy
Coccidioides immitis Skin Test: Immunosuppressants may diminish the diagnostic effect of Coccidioides immitis Skin Test. Monitor therapy
Deferiprone: Myelosuppressive Agents may enhance the neutropenic effect of Deferiprone. Avoid combination
Denosumab: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Immunosuppressants. Specifically, the risk for serious infections may be increased. Monitor therapy
Dipyrone: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Myelosuppressive Agents. Specifically, the risk for agranulocytosis and pancytopenia may be increased Avoid combination
Echinacea: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Immunosuppressants. Consider therapy modification
Fingolimod: Immunosuppressants may enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Fingolimod. Management: Avoid the concomitant use of fingolimod and other immunosuppressants when possible. If combined, monitor patients closely for additive immunosuppressant effects (eg, infections). Consider therapy modification
Imatinib: May diminish the myelosuppressive effect of Fludarabine. Imatinib may decrease the serum concentration of Fludarabine. More specifically, imatinib may decrease the formation of fludarabine active metabolite F-ara-ATP Management: Due to the risk for impaired fludarabine response, consider discontinuing imatinib therapy at least 5 days prior to initiating fludarabine conditioning therapy in CML patients undergoing HSCT. Consider therapy modification
Leflunomide: Immunosuppressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Leflunomide. Specifically, the risk for hematologic toxicity such as pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, and/or thrombocytopenia may be increased. Management: Consider not using a leflunomide loading dose in patients receiving other immunosuppressants. Patients receiving both leflunomide and another immunosuppressant should be monitored for bone marrow suppression at least monthly. Consider therapy modification
Lenograstim: Antineoplastic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Lenograstim. Consider therapy modification
Natalizumab: Immunosuppressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Natalizumab. Specifically, the risk of concurrent infection may be increased. Avoid combination
Nivolumab: Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Nivolumab. Consider therapy modification
Pentostatin: Fludarabine may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Pentostatin. Pentostatin may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Fludarabine. Pulmonary toxicity is of specific concern. Avoid combination
Pimecrolimus: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Immunosuppressants. Avoid combination
Roflumilast: May enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Immunosuppressants. Consider therapy modification
Sipuleucel-T: Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Sipuleucel-T. Monitor therapy
Tacrolimus (Topical): May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Immunosuppressants. Avoid combination
Tofacitinib: Immunosuppressants may enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Tofacitinib. Management: Concurrent use with antirheumatic doses of methotrexate or nonbiologic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) is permitted, and this warning seems particularly focused on more potent immunosuppressants. Avoid combination
Trastuzumab: May enhance the neutropenic effect of Immunosuppressants. Monitor therapy
Vaccines (Inactivated): Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Vaccines (Inactivated). Management: Vaccine efficacy may be reduced. Complete all age-appropriate vaccinations at least 2 weeks prior to starting an immunosuppressant. If vaccinated during immunosuppressant therapy, revaccinate at least 3 months after immunosuppressant discontinuation. Consider therapy modification
Vaccines (Live): Immunosuppressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Vaccines (Live). Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Vaccines (Live). Management: Avoid use of live organism vaccines with immunosuppressants; live-attenuated vaccines should not be given for at least 3 months after immunosuppressants. Avoid combination
CBC with differential, platelet count, AST, ALT, serum creatinine, serum albumin, uric acid; monitor for signs of infection and neurotoxicity
Frequency not always defined.
>10%:
Cardiovascular: Edema (8% to 19%)
Central nervous system: Fatigue (10% to 38%), neurological signs and symptoms (doses >96 mg/m2 /day for 5 to 7 days: 36%; doses <125 mg/m2/cycle: <1%; characterized by cortical blindness, coma, and paralysis; symptom onset may be delayed for 3 to 4 weeks), pain (20% to 22%), chills (11% to 19%), paresthesia (4% to 12%)
Dermatologic: Skin rash (15%), diaphoresis (1% to 13%)
Gastrointestinal: Nausea and vomiting (31% to 36%), anorexia (7% to 34%), diarrhea (13% to 15%), gastrointestinal hemorrhage (3% to 13%)
Genitourinary: Urinary tract infection (2% to 15%)
Hematologic & oncologic: Anemia (60%), neutropenia (grade 4: 59%; nadir: ~13 days), thrombocytopenia (55%; nadir: ~16 days), bone marrow depression (nadir: 10 to 14 days; recovery: 5 to 7 weeks; dose-limiting toxicity)
Infection: Infection (33% to 44%)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Weakness (9% to 65%), myalgia (4% to 16%)
Ophthalmic: Visual disturbance (3% to 15%)
Respiratory: Cough (10% to 44%), pneumonia (16% to 22%), dyspnea (9% to 22%), upper respiratory tract infection (2% to 16%)
Miscellaneous: Fever (60% to 69%)
1% to 10%:
Cardiovascular: Angina pectoris ( ≤6%), cardiac arrhythmia ( ≤3%), cardiac failure ( ≤3%), cerebrovascular accident ( ≤3%), myocardial infarction ( ≤3%), supraventricular tachycardia ( ≤3%), deep vein thrombosis (1% to 3%), phlebitis (1% to 3%), aneurysm ( ≤1%), transient ischemic attacks ( ≤1%)
Central nervous system: Malaise (6% to 8%), headache ( ≤3%), sleep disorder (1% to 3%), cerebellar syndrome ( ≤1%), depression ( ≤1%), difficulty thinking ( ≤1%)
Dermatologic: Alopecia ( ≤3%), pruritus (1% to 3%), seborrhea ( ≤1%)
Endocrine & metabolic: Hyperglycemia (1% to 6%), dehydration ( ≤1%)
Gastrointestinal: Stomatitis ( ≤9%), cholelithiasis ( ≤3%), esophagitis ( ≤3%), constipation (1% to 3%), mucositis ( ≤2%), dysphagia ( ≤1%)
Genitourinary: Dysuria (3% to 4%), urinary hesitancy ( ≤3%), hematuria (2% to 3%), proteinuria ( ≤1%)
Hematologic & oncologic: Hemorrhage ( ≤1%), tumor lysis syndrome ( ≤1%)
Hepatic: Abnormal hepatic function tests (1% to 3%), hepatic failure ( ≤1%)
Hypersensitivity: Anaphylaxis ( ≤1%)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Osteoporosis ( ≤2%), arthralgia ( ≤1%)
Otic: Hearing loss (2% to 6%)
Renal: Renal failure ( ≤1%), renal function test abnormality ( ≤1%)
Respiratory: Pharyngitis ( ≤9%), hypersensitivity pneumonitis ( ≤6%), hemoptysis (1% to 6%), sinusitis ( ≤5%), bronchitis ( ≤1%), epistaxis ( ≤1%), hypoxia ( ≤1%)
<1% (Limited to important or life-threatening): Acquired blood coagulation disorder, acute myelocytic leukemia (usually associated with prior or concurrent treatment with other anticancer agents), adult respiratory distress syndrome, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, autoimmune thrombocytopenia, blindness, bone marrow aplasia (trilineage), bone marrow depression (trilineage), cerebral hemorrhage, coma, Epstein-Barr-associated lymphoproliferative disorder, erythema multiforme, Evan 's syndrome, hemorrhagic cystitis, hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyperuricemia, hypocalcemia, immune thrombocytopenia (autoimmune), interstitial pulmonary infiltrate, malignant neoplasm of skin (new-onset or exacerbation), metabolic acidosis, myelodysplastic syndrome (usually associated with prior or concurrent treatment with other anticancer agents), myelofibrosis, opportunistic infection, optic neuritis, optic neuropathy, pancytopenia, pemphigus, pericardial effusion, peripheral neuropathy, pneumonitis, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hemorrhage, reactivation of latent Epstein-Barr virus, reactivation of latent herpes zoster, respiratory distress, respiratory failure, seizure, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, urate crystalluria, wrist-drop
Total body clearance of the principal metabolite correlates with CrCl. Mean body clearance is 124 mL/minute for patients with moderate renal impairment and 71 mL/minute for patients with severe renal impairment. In 2 patients with a median CrCl of 22 mL/minute/m2, clearance was reduced by 56%.
Concerns related to adverse effects:
- Autoimmune effects: [US Boxed Warning]: Life-threatening (and sometimes fatal) autoimmune effects, including hemolytic anemia, autoimmune thrombocytopenia/thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), Evans syndrome, and acquired hemophilia have occurred; monitor closely for hemolysis; discontinue fludarabine if hemolysis occurs. The hemolytic effects usually recur with fludarabine rechallenge.
- Bone marrow suppression: [US Boxed Warning]: Severe bone marrow suppression (anemia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia) may occur; may be cumulative. Severe myelosuppression (trilineage bone marrow hypoplasia/aplasia) has been reported (rare) with a duration of significant cytopenias ranging from 2 months to 1 year). First-line combination therapy is associated with prolonged cytopenias, with anemia lasting up to 7 months, neutropenia up to 9 months, and thrombocytopenia up to 10 months; increased age is predictive for prolonged cytopenias (Gill, 2010). Use with caution in patients with preexisting hematological disorders (particularly granulocytopenia).
- Neurotoxicity: [US Boxed Warning]: Higher than recommended doses (up to 96 mg/m2/day for 5 to 7 days) are associated with severe neurologic toxicity (delayed blindness, coma, death); similar neurotoxicity (agitation, coma, confusion, seizure) has been reported with standard CLL doses. Symptoms of neurotoxicity due to high doses appeared from 21 to 60 days following the last fludarabine dose, although neurotoxicity has been reported as early as 7 days and up to 225 days. Possible neurotoxic effects of chronic administration are unknown. Caution patients about performing tasks which require mental alertness (eg, operating machinery or driving). Use with caution in patients with preexisting central nervous system disorder (epilepsy), spasticity, or peripheral neuropathy.
- Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) (usually fatal) due to JC virus has been reported with use; most cases were in patients who had received prior and/or other concurrent chemotherapy. Onset may be a few weeks or may be delayed up to 1 year. Evaluate any neurological change promptly.
- Tumor lysis syndrome: May cause tumor lysis syndrome; risk is increased in patients with large tumor burden prior to treatment.
Disease-related concerns:
- Infection: Use with caution in patients with documented infection, fever, immunodeficiency, or with a history of opportunistic infection. Prophylactic anti-infectives should be considered for patients with an increased risk for developing opportunistic infections.
- Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with renal impairment; clearance of the primary metabolite 2-fluoro-ara-A is decreased in patients with renal impairment; dosage reductions are recommended (monitor closely for excessive toxicity); use of the IV formulation is not recommended if CrCl <30 mL/minute. Canadian labeling contraindicates use of oral and IV formulations if CrCl <30 mL/minute.
Concurrent drug therapy issues:
- Drug-drug interactions: Potentially significant interactions may exist, requiring dose or frequency adjustment, additional monitoring, and/or selection of alternative therapy. Consult drug interactions database for more detailed information.
- Pentostatin: [US Boxed Warning]: Do not use in combination with pentostatin; may lead to severe, even fatal pulmonary toxicity. Concomitant use is contraindicated in the Canadian labeling.
Special handling:
- Hazardous agent: Use appropriate precautions for handling and disposal (NIOSH 2014 [group 1]).
Other warnings/precautions:
- Blood products: Patients receiving blood products should only receive irradiated blood products due to the potential for transfusion related GVHD.
- Experienced physician: [US Boxed Warning]: Should be administered under the supervision of an experienced cancer chemotherapy physician.
- Live vaccines: Avoid vaccination with live vaccines during and after fludarabine treatment.
D
Adverse events were observed in animal reproduction studies. Based on the mechanism of action, fludarabine may cause fetal harm if administered during pregnancy. Effective contraception is recommended during and for 6 months after treatment for women and men with female partners of reproductive potential.
Fludarabine inhibits DNA synthesis by inhibition of DNA polymerase and ribonucleotide reductase; also inhibits DNA primase and DNA ligase I
Vd: 38-96 L/m2; widely with extensive tissue binding
IV: Fludarabine phosphate is rapidly dephosphorylated in the plasma to 2-fluoro-ara-A (active metabolite), which subsequently enters tumor cells and is phosphorylated by deoxycytidine kinase to the active triphosphate derivative (2-fluoro-ara-ATP)
Urine (60%, 23% as 2-fluoro-ara-A) within 24 hours
Oral: 1 to 2 hours
2-fluoro-ara-A: Children: 12.4-19 hours; Adults: ~20 hours
2-fluoro-ara-A: ~19% to 29%
- Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)
- Patient may experience chills, sweating a lot, or muscle pain. Have patient report immediately to prescriber signs of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (confusion, depression, trouble with memory, behavioral changes, change in strength on one side, trouble speaking, change in balance, vision changes), signs of infection, signs of bleeding (vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; coughing up blood; blood in the urine; black, red, or tarry stools; bleeding from the gums; abnormal vaginal bleeding; bruises without a reason or that get bigger; or any bleeding that is very bad or that will not stop), signs of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (confusion, depression, trouble with memory, behavioral changes, change in strength on one side, trouble speaking, change in balance, vision changes), signs of tumor lysis syndrome (fast heartbeat or abnormal heartbeat; any passing out; trouble passing urine; muscle weakness or cramps; upset stomach, throwing up, loose stools or not able to eat; or feel sluggish), signs of a severe pulmonary disorder (lung or breathing problems like trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or a cough that is new or worse), shortness of breath, angina, mood changes, illogical thinking, seizures, severe nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea, cough that will not go away, urinary retention, loss of strength and energy, jaundice, skin growths, burning or numbness feeling, lack of appetite, vision changes, vision loss, swelling of arms or legs, or signs of Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin [with or without fever]; red or irritated eyes; or sores in mouth, throat, nose, or eyes) (HCAHPS).
- Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.
Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for healthcare professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience and judgment in diagnosing, treating and advising patients.