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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving nelarabine (Arranon)?

Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to nelarabine.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests:

• liver disease;
• kidney disease;
• a nerve disorder;
• a history of radiation treatment of your head, neck, or spinal cord; or
• a history of cancer medicine injected around your spinal cord.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use nelarabine if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether nelarabine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is nelarabine given (Arranon)?

Nelarabine is injected into a vein through an IV. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. Nelarabine must be given slowly, and the IV infusion can take up to 2 hours to complete.

Nelarabine can lower the 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.

To be sure this medicine is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. Your nervous system and kidney function may also need to be tested. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests. Visit your doctor regularly.

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