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Cladribine injection is chemotherapy that is used to treat hairy cell leukemia. It may work by affecting the ability of cancer cells to make and repair their DNA, which helps stop them from growing. Common side effects include nausea and vomiting, rash, and tiredness. Serious side effects may include infections and low levels of certain types of blood cells. 

Uses

What is cladribine used for?

Cladribine is commonly used to treat certain people with hairy cell leukemia, which is a type of blood cancer.

Cladribine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Cladribine is also available in a form that is taken by mouth and used for different reasons. See Mavenclad (cladribine) for more information.

How does cladribine work (mechanism of action)?

Cladribine is chemotherapy. It may work by affecting the ability of cancer cells to make and repair their DNA, which helps stop them from growing.

How is cladribine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Leustatin

Dosage forms and strengths

Cladribine is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store cladribine?

Cladribine is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of cladribine?

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

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Rash
  • Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the infusion site
  • Tiredness
  • Fever
  • Blood disorders (see below)
  • Infections (see below)
  • Headache

There may be other side effects of cladribine that are not listed here. Contact your health care 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 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medeffect-canada or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of cladribine?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Cladribine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. 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

Infections. Cladribine can increase your risk of infections, including serious infections. Call your health care 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

Blood Disorders. Cladribine can cause blood disorders, such as low hemoglobin levels (anemia), low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), and low neutrophil levels (neutropenia). It is important to go to all appointments for blood tests before, during, and after using cladribine to make sure it 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 infections
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Nervous System Problems. People using cladribine may rarely have nervous system problems, including peripheral neuropathy (damage to nerves, the fibers that carry sensations from your body to the brain). Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of nervous system problems. 

  • Pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet
  • Clumsiness or loss of coordination
  • Trouble walking, speaking, or moving
  • Loss of sensation

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use cladribine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use cladribine.

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

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific cladribine products they stock.

What should I know about cladribine before using it?

Cladribine is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. It is given as an infusion into a vein (IV).

It is important to attend all appointments for blood tests with your health care provider. They will use these tests to monitor your body’s response to cladribine and make sure it is safe for you to continue using the medicine. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using cladribine?

Tell your health care 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 cladribine is right for you.

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

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

  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems
  • A blood disorder or bone marrow disorder
  • An infection or any serious infections in the past

Other Medicines and Supplements. Cladribine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using cladribine, tell your health care 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 health care provider about any vaccines that you may need. You should not receive certain vaccines right before or while using cladribine. Tell your health care provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.

Pregnancy. Cladribine may cause harm to a fetus. If you can become pregnant, you should use effective birth control while using cladribine. Tell your health care provider right away if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if cladribine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should stop breastfeeding or stop cladribine.

Interactions

Does cladribine interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect cladribine, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight cancer.

Does cladribine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care 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 using cladribine. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure if you are taking one of the medicines below.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with cladribine. Always check with your health care 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 cladribine?

If you or someone else has used too much cladribine, 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 cladribine?

Cladribine is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving cladribine as scheduled. If you miss an appointment to get your cladribine dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.