Depocyt - Cytarabine Liposome - Injectable Brand Drug

General Information

• Below is miscellaneous information regarding Depocyt.
• Depocyt
• sye-TARE-ah-been

Usage Instructions

• Use extreme caution when handling and/or mixing this medication.
• As with other cancer chemotherapy drugs, this medication may be harmful if it comes in contact with healthy cells (for example, skin, muscle).
• After mixing with the correct IV fluids (preservative-free diluent), this medication will contain small particles (suspension).
• Avoid aggressive shaking of this drug and do not filter this drug.
• Doing so may make this medicine ineffective.
• Your doctor will inject this medication directly into the spinal fluid (CSF) over 1 to 5 minutes usually every 14 days or as directed.
• The dosage and length of treatment depends on your medical condition and response to therapy.
• After several months, your doctor may only give this drug every 28 days (maintenance dose).
• After receiving this medication, you will be instructed to lie flat for 1 hour.
• Other medication(s) such as dexamethasone will be given before, and for several days following your treatment with this drug to reduce the risk of serious side effects.
• Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely.
• Consult your pharmacist.

Medicinal Applications

• Cytarabine liposome is a long-acting (sustained-release) chemotherapy drug used to treat a certain type of cancer affecting the area around the spinal cord (lymphomatous meningitis).

Warning

• In clinical studies, this medication has caused a serious, sometimes fatal, condition called arachnoiditis.
• This condition is treatable.
• Therefore, cytarabine liposome must only be given in a health-care facility (for example, clinic, hospital) under close monitoring by a doctor experienced in cancer chemotherapy.
• Tell your doctor immediately if these side effects occur.

Read Before Using Depocyt (precautions)

• This medication is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions.

What To Do In Case Of Missed Dose

• If you miss a dose or your dosing schedule is interrupted, contact your doctor promptly to establish a new dosing schedule.

Overdose

• If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
• Symptoms of overdose may include.

Drug Compatibility Recommendations

• Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially.

Possible Side Effects

• Nausea, vomiting, or fever may occur.
• If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
• Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur.

Depocyt Miscellaneous Notes

• Laboratory and/or medical tests (for example, blood tests) may be performed to monitor your progress and for side effects.

What To Do In Case Of Medical Emergency

• Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency.
• For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Depocyt Storage Instructions

• Before mixing, store the unmixed vial/powder in a refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C).
• Do not freeze.
• Avoid aggressive shaking of the vial(s).
• Once mixed, use this drug immediately.
• Discard any unused portion of the vial.