Cytosar 500mg Injection

Cytosar Powder For Injection is an anti-cancer medicine. It is used in the treatment of a type of blood cancer. It contains cytarabine as its main component. It will be given to you in a hospital or clinic by a doctor or nurse as an injection. You should avoid self-injecting.

Dosage

Overdose

This injection will be given to you by a doctor or nurse. Therefore, it is less likely that you may get an overdose on this medicine. If you experience any symptoms right after taking this injection, seek medical help.

Missed a Dose

The doctor or nurse usually gives this injection in the hospital or clinic. Therefore, the chances of missing a dose are less. However, if you feel that a dose has been missed, please inform your doctor and nurse.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Cytarabine interacts with DNA (genetic material) and causes certain changes in the DNA. This results in problems in DNA synthesis leading to anti-cancer effects.

Directions for Use

• Cytosar Powder For Injection will be given in hospital by your doctor or nurse. Do not self-inject.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Cytosar Powder For Injection during pregnancy?

• Cytosar Powder For Injection should not be used during pregnancy unless your doctor considers it essential after assessing the benefits over risks.
• Use effective contraception during treatment. However, if you get pregnant while on treatment, immediately contact your doctor.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Cytosar Powder For Injection while breastfeeding?

You should not breastfeed while on treatment with this medicine, as it is unknown if cytarabine passes into breast milk.

Driving

Can I drive if I have taken Cytosar Powder For Injection?

Avoid driving if you do not feel well or are unable to be alert.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Cytosar Powder For Injection?

You should avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medicine, as it may worsen the side effects of this medicine.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have problems with your liver.
• You have been or are scheduled for a vaccination.
• If you are taking a medicine called methotrexate, discuss it with the doctor if you are not sure.

Contraindications

If you are allergic to cytarabine or any of the ingredients of Cytosar Powder For Injection. If you are taking any medicine that has resulted in a low blood count caused by the suppression of bone marrow, discuss it with your doctor.

Side effects

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
• Constipation, stomach pain
• Fever, infection, Pneumonia
• Skin rash, redness, itching
• Pain, swelling, sores in the mouth
• Hair loss
• Low blood platelets, anaemia, low WBCs

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Some medicines can affect the way Cytosar Powder For Injection works or this medicine itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time.
• Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interaction. Also, you should inform your doctor if you have a planned surgery or vaccination scheduled.
• Especially if you are taking medicines to treat bacterial infections, fungal infections, heart problems and cancer.

Storage and disposal

• Store Cytosar Powder For Injection under the conditions mentioned on the pack.
• Keep it away from children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the composition of Cytosar Powder For Injection?

Cytosar Powder For Injection contains cytarabine, as its main component.

What is the use of Cytosar Powder For Injection?

Cytosar Powder For Injection is used in the treatment of a type of blood cancer.