Cytarabine (Liposomal)

The liposomal form of Cytarabine, a drug used to treat leukemia, is used to combat lymphomatous meningitis, or cancer of the covering of the spinal cord and brain. This drug slows down the growth of cancer cells in this area so that cancer symptoms are reduced; eventually, the cancer cells will die as a result of taking this medication.

Warnings/Side Effects

This drug can cause a severe reaction called chemical arachnoiditis. This condition is marked by severe nausea, headache and fever soon after taking the medication. Patients should be monitored for this condition immediately after being given the drug and should report these symptoms to the attending physician immediately. If left untreated, chemical arachnoiditis can be fatal.