Cytarabine (Conventional)

Cytarabine is an injectable medication used to combat cancer. This chemotherapy drug is often prescribed for various types of leukemia, or cancer of the white blood cells. This medication slows the growth of cancer cells so that cancer can eventually be eliminated.

Warnings/Side Effects

Patients who are on this medication may develop serious infections because the medication interferes with the growth of white blood cells. As a result, the immune system becomes compromised. The medication can also cause suppression of bone marrow development.

Some patients develop anemia as a result of taking this drug. More often, patients experience nausea, vomiting and severe stomach pain when on Cytarabine. This drug should be administered only in hospitals so that patients can be monitored for serious illness after taking it.