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Overview: Mavenclad is used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). It may work by reducing the amount of certain immune cells that mistakenly attack the nerves in people with MS. Common side effects include headache and infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms. Serious side effects may include infections and blood disorders.

Uses

What is Mavenclad used for?

Mavenclad (cladribine) is commonly used to treat certain types of multiple sclerosis (MS). 

Mavenclad may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

Cladribine is also available in an injectable form that is used for different reasons. See Cladribine (Leustatin) for more information.

Learn more about managing multiple sclerosis with Mavenclad.

How does Mavenclad work (mechanism of action)?

Mavenclad may work by reducing the amount of certain immune cells that mistakenly attack the nerves in people with MS. This can help lower the chance of multiple sclerosis relapses.

How is Mavenclad supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Mavenclad

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 10 mg oral tablets

How should I store Mavenclad?

Mavenclad should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep Mavenclad in its original package until you are ready to take it. Protect from moisture.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Mavenclad?

The most common side effects of Mavenclad are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
  • Headache
  • Low lymphocyte levels (see below)

There may be other side effects of Mavenclad that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Mavenclad?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Mavenclad are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Mavenclad may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Mavenclad and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Cancer. Mavenclad can cause a new cancer to develop or cause a previously treated cancer to recur. Tell your healthcare provider about any new symptoms that you may get. Follow all cancer screenings recommended by your healthcare provider.

Low Lymphocyte Levels (Lymphopenia). Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that help prevent infection. Mavenclad may cause low lymphocyte levels, also called lymphopenia or lymphocytopenia. Having a low level of lymphocytes may increase your risk of infection. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of low lymphocyte levels.

  • Fever, chills, or sweats
  • Tiredness
  • Sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath
  • Mouth or throat sores
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Blood Disorders. Mavenclad can also cause other blood disorders, such as low hemoglobin levels, low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), and low neutrophil levels (neutropenia). It is important to go to all appointments for blood work to ensure Mavenclad is safe for you. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Infections. Mavenclad can increase your risk of infections, including serious infections. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.

  • Burning or stinging when you pee
  • Cough or coughing up blood
  • Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Weight loss 
  • Headache or general feeling of being unwell, tired, or not having your usual energy

Reactivated Infections. Some types of microbes that cause infections (such as bacteria or viruses) can remain in the body after you recover from that infection. When a microbe stays in the body but does not cause an infection, it is called a “latent” microbe. Mavenclad may increase your risk of a latent microbe becoming active again, causing an infection. Before you start treatment with Mavenclad, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis B, or any other serious infections.

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML). People taking Mavenclad may develop a rare brain disease called PML. It is caused by a virus called the JC virus. PML is very serious and can lead to death. Stop taking Mavenclad and call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of PML.

  • Clumsiness or loss of coordination
  • Difficulty walking or speaking
  • Facial drooping
  • Vision problems
  • Thinking, memory, or personality changes
  • Weakness on one side of your body that gets worse
  • Seizures

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Mavenclad. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Heart Failure. Mavenclad may increase your risk of heart failure. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of heart failure.

  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially while lying down
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Unusually fast weight gain
  • Unusual tiredness

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Mavenclad?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Mavenclad.

  • Cladribine
  • Mavenclad
  • Leustatin
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Mavenclad.

Cancer. If you currently have cancer, you should not take Mavenclad. Tell your healthcare provider about any current or previous cancers you have had. 

Infections. If you have HIV or certain other infections, such as hepatitis or tuberculosis, you should not take Mavenclad. Tell your healthcare provider about all current and prior infections you have had. 

Pregnancy or Not Using Birth Control. You should not take Mavenclad if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. You also should not take Mavenclad if you are not using birth control and you or your partner can become pregnant. See the Pregnancy section for more details. 

Breastfeeding. Do not take Mavenclad if you are breastfeeding. You must either stop breastfeeding or not take Mavenclad. See the Breastfeeding section for more details.  

What should I know about Mavenclad before using it?

Do not take Mavenclad unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Mavenclad with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Mavenclad out of the reach of children.

Swallow Mavenclad tablets whole with water, and do not chew, cut, or crush them. Make sure your hands are dry before touching Mavenclad, and wash your hands well with water and soap after you handle the medicine. Limit skin contact with the tablets. If Mavenclad touches your skin, make sure to wash the area right away. If you need to throw away Mavenclad, ask your pharmacist how to do so safely.

Mavenclad should be taken at least three hours before or after any other medicine, herbs, or supplements that you take by mouth. See the Interactions section for more details.

Keep all appointments for blood work before, during, and after treatment with Mavenclad. Blood work is important to make sure it is safe for you to continue taking Mavenclad.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Mavenclad?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Mavenclad is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Current or past cancer
  • HIV
  • Think you have any type of infection or have had any serious infections in the past, such as tuberculosis or hepatitis
  • Heart problems, including heart failure
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Any condition that is managed with planned blood transfusions
  • Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), which is a condition with symptoms similar to multiple sclerosis

Other Medicines and Supplements. Mavenclad may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Mavenclad, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Vaccines. Talk with your healthcare provider about any vaccines you may need before starting Mavenclad. You should not receive certain vaccines right before, during, or after treatment with Mavenclad. Tell your healthcare provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.

Pregnancy. Mavenclad may cause harm to an unborn baby. You should not be pregnant before starting Mavenclad. Keep all appointments for pregnancy tests before and while taking Mavenclad. If you can become pregnant, you should use effective birth control while taking Mavenclad and for at least six months after your last dose in each treatment course. If you are able to get a partner pregnant, you should use effective birth control while taking Mavenclad and for at least six months after your last dose in each treatment course. Stop taking Mavenclad and tell your healthcare provider right away if you are or plan to become pregnant.

If you become pregnant while taking Mavenclad, you or your healthcare provider can sign you up for the Mavenclad Pregnancy Safety Study by calling 800-283-8088, extension 5563. This registry collects safety information about the use of Mavenclad during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Mavenclad passes into breast milk. Do not breastfeed while you are taking Mavenclad and for 10 days after your last dose. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Mavenclad?

For more information about Mavenclad, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.mavenclad.com or call them at 877-447-3243.

Interactions

Does Mavenclad interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Mavenclad and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Mavenclad.

Does Mavenclad interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Mavenclad.

  • Any medicine that can suppress your immune system, including cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others)
  • Interferon-beta, which is a medicine commonly used to treat multiple sclerosis
  • Any medicine that may cause or worsen blood disorders
  • A medicine for HIV, AIDS, or hepatitis C
  • A corticosteroid, such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, or prednisone, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions
  • Rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • Nifedipine, which is a medicine commonly used to treat high blood pressure or certain heart problems
  • Cilostazol or dipyridamole, which is a medicine used to prevent blood clots
  • Sulindac, which is a medicine used to treat pain and inflammation
  • St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used for depression
  • Turmeric, which is a supplement that may be used for arthritis, depression, high cholesterol, or other conditions 

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Mavenclad. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Mavenclad?

If you or someone else has used too much Mavenclad, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Mavenclad?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. If it is almost time for your next dose or the whole day has passed, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses. Instead, you should extend the number of days in that treatment week. Talk to your healthcare provider if you miss a dose and have questions about how to take your medicine.

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