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Brand Names: Arranon

Generic Name: nelarabine (Pronunciation: nel AR a been)

• What is nelarabine (Arranon)?
• What are the possible side effects of nelarabine (Arranon)?
• What is the most important information I should know about nelarabine (Arranon)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving nelarabine (Arranon)?
• How is nelarabine given (Arranon)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Arranon)?
• What happens if I overdose (Arranon)?
• What should I avoid while receiving nelarabine (Arranon)?
• What other drugs will affect nelarabine (Arranon)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is nelarabine (Arranon)?

Nelarabine interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Nelarabine is used to treat T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma.

Nelarabine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of nelarabine (Arranon)?

Nelarabine may cause serious side effects of the central nervous system. These symptoms may not go away even after you stop receiving nelarabine. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about any possible long-term side effects.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• confusion or clumsiness;
• loss of balance or coordination;
• weakness or trouble walking;
• numbness and tingling in the hands, fingers, feet, or toes;
• problems with buttoning clothes or picking up small items with your fingers;
• blurred vision;
• seizure (convulsions);
• black, bloody or tarry stools; or
• signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds or bleeding gums), loss of appetite, or mouth sores.

Less serious side effects may include:

• cough;
• headache;
• mild stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;
• redness, pain, or swelling around the IV needle; or
• dizziness, extreme drowsiness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about nelarabine (Arranon)?

Nelarabine may cause serious side effects of the central nervous system, such as problems with balance, coordination, or fine motor skills. These symptoms may not go away even after you stop receiving nelarabine. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about any possible long-term side effects.

Before you receive nelarabine, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, a nerve disorder, a history of chemotherapy or radiation treatment of your head, neck, or spinal cord.

Nelarabine can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Your blood will need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with nelarabine, and avoid coming into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus could be passed on to you.

Nelarabine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

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