Cytarine Injection (Cytarabine) | Used in Chemotherapy for Leukemia and Cancer Care
Cytarine Injection (Cytarabine) is a potent chemotherapy medication belonging to the class of antimetabolites, used primarily in the treatment of certain types of blood cancers and malignancies. It is most commonly used to treat acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL), chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML), and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Product Overview
Cytarine Injection is a potent antineoplastic medication containing Cytarabine (also known as Ara-C), a specialized chemotherapy agent used primarily in the treatment of various hematological malignancies. As a pyrimidine nucleoside analogue, it interferes with the synthesis of DNA within rapidly dividing cells. It is a cornerstone of clinical protocols for inducing and maintaining remission in patients with acute leukemias, providing a targeted approach to suppressing the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells.
Product Composition
- Active Ingredient: Cytarabine (Available in various concentrations, such as 100 mg, 500 mg, or 1000 mg per vial)
- Excipients: Water for injection, with pH adjusted using hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide
Product Specification
| Feature | Details |
| Drug Class | Antimetabolite (Pyrimidine Analogue) |
| Therapeutic Indications | Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), ALL, and Lymphoma |
| Route of Administration | Intravenous (IV), Subcutaneous (SC), or Intrathecal |
| Cell Cycle Specificity | S-phase (DNA Synthesis phase) |
| Metabolism | Rapidly deaminated by deoxycytidine deaminase in the liver |
| Storage | Store at controlled room temperature (20°C to 25°C) |
Mechanism of Action
- The medication acts as a metabolic decoy, where Cytarabine is intracellularly converted into its active triphosphate form (ara-CTP).
- This active metabolite competes with the natural substrate deoxycytidine triphosphate for incorporation into the DNA chain.
- Once incorporated, it acts as a DNA polymerase inhibitor, effectively halting the elongation of the DNA strand.
- The resulting DNA damage triggers programmed cell death (apoptosis) specifically in cells that are in the S-phase of the cell cycle.
- By inhibiting DNA synthesis and repair, it prevents the replication and proliferation of malignant leukemic cells.
Key Benefits
- Remission Induction: Highly effective in achieving complete remission in patients diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
- Versatile Delivery: Can be administered through various routes, including intrathecal injection to treat or prevent meningeal leukemia (cancer in the central nervous system).
- Combination Therapy Efficacy: Serves as a vital component of "7+3" and other standard chemotherapy regimens, working synergistically with other agents.
- Targeted Proliferation Control: Specifically focuses on rapidly multiplying cancer cells, helping to clear the bone marrow of abnormal blasts.
- Established Clinical Standard: Backed by decades of oncology research as a primary treatment for hematological malignancies.
Precautions
| Precaution | Description |
|---|---|
| Blood Counts | May lower white cells, red cells, and platelets. |
| Infections | Increased risk of serious infections during treatment. |
| Liver Function | Use carefully in liver disease patients. |
| Kidney Function | Dose adjustment may be required in kidney problems. |
| Pregnancy | Should be avoided unless clearly advised. |
| Breastfeeding | Not recommended during treatment. |
| Vaccinations | Avoid live vaccines during therapy. |
Important Points
- Take only under medical supervision.
- Regular blood tests are required during treatment.
- Report fever, unusual bleeding, or infections immediately.
- Avoid exposure to sick individuals when possible.
Usage
Dosage and administration for this potent antineoplastic agent are highly individualized and must be managed by an experienced oncologist. Because Cytarine Injection is a cytotoxic chemotherapy, the dosage is typically calculated based on the patient's body surface area and the specific treatment protocol being followed.
| Aspect | Recommendation |
| Route of Administration | Can be given via Intravenous (IV) infusion, Subcutaneous (SC) injection, or Intrathecal injection |
| Induction Dosage | Often administered as a continuous IV infusion for 7 consecutive days in AML protocols |
| Maintenance Dosage | Usually involves lower doses or intermittent SC injections once remission is achieved |
| Hydration | Patients must maintain high fluid intake to ensure proper renal clearance of cellular waste |
| Clinical Monitoring | Requires frequent blood counts (CBC) to monitor bone marrow suppression and liver function tests |
| Handling | Must be prepared and administered using strict hazardous drug safety precautions (cytotoxic handling) |
Uses
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Used as a primary agent for remission induction and consolidation therapy in both adult and pediatric patients.
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL): Utilized as part of multi-agent chemotherapy regimens to treat and prevent the recurrence of lymphatic leukemia.
Meningeal Leukemia: Administered intrathecally to treat or prevent the spread of leukemia cells to the central nervous system and brain lining.
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): Used in the blast crisis phase to rapidly reduce the number of immature white blood cells.
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Included in various rescue or intensive treatment protocols for aggressive forms of lymphoma.
Refractory Leukemias: Employed in high-dose cycles for patients who have not responded to standard initial chemotherapy treatments.
FAQs
Q: What is Cytarine Injection used for?
A: Cytarine (Cytarabine) is used to treat certain types of blood cancers including acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL), chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML), and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Q: How does Cytarabine work?
A: Cytarabine is an antimetabolite that works by interfering with the synthesis of DNA in cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and multiplying. This ultimately leads to cancer cell death and helps control the spread of the disease.
Q: How is Cytarine Injection administered?
A: Cytarine Injection is administered by a trained healthcare professional in a clinical setting. It can be given intravenously (into a vein), subcutaneously (under the skin), or intrathecally (into the spinal fluid) depending on the type and stage of cancer being treated.
Q: What is the usual dose of Cytarine Injection?
A: The dose of Cytarabine depends on the type of cancer, the stage of disease, the patient's body weight, and the treatment protocol being followed. Your oncologist will determine the most appropriate dose and schedule for your individual condition.
Q: What are the common side effects of Cytarine Injection?
A: Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, mouth sores, hair loss, fatigue, and fever. Cytarabine can also cause bone marrow suppression, leading to low blood cell counts and increased risk of infection, bleeding, and anaemia.
Q: What is Cytarabine syndrome?
A: Cytarabine syndrome is a group of symptoms that may occur 6 to 12 hours after administration, including fever, muscle pain, bone pain, chest pain, rash, and eye redness. Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to prevent or treat this syndrome.
Q: Can Cytarine Injection affect the eyes?
A: Yes. High doses of Cytarabine can cause eye problems including conjunctivitis (red and irritated eyes). Eye drops may be prescribed to prevent or relieve this side effect. Always report any changes in vision or eye discomfort to your doctor immediately.
Q: Can Cytarine Injection cause nerve damage?
A: Yes. High doses of Cytarabine may cause neurotoxicity, affecting the nervous system and causing symptoms such as confusion, difficulty with coordination, and personality changes. Regular neurological monitoring is essential during treatment.
Q: Who should not receive Cytarine Injection?
A: Cytarine Injection should not be given to patients who are allergic to Cytarabine, have active meningeal infection (for intrathecal use), or have severely impaired bone marrow function. Always inform your oncologist of your full medical history before starting treatment.
Q: Can Cytarine Injection be used during pregnancy?
A: No. Cytarabine is contraindicated during pregnancy as it can cause serious harm to the unborn baby. Effective contraception is strongly recommended for both men and women during treatment and for a period after completing therapy.
Q: How will Cytarine Injection affect my immune system?
A: Cytarabine suppresses the bone marrow, leading to reduced production of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. This weakens the immune system and increases the risk of infections, bleeding, and anaemia. Regular blood tests are essential to monitor blood cell counts during treatment.
Interactions
| Drug / Group | Effect with Cytarine Injection (Cytarabine) |
|---|---|
| Other chemotherapy drugs | May increase bone marrow suppression and side effects. |
| Radiation therapy | Can increase toxicity and tissue damage risk. |
| Immunosuppressants | Higher risk of infections. |
| Antibiotics | May affect blood cell counts or increase side effects. |
| Vaccines (live vaccines) | Should be avoided due to infection risk. |
| Digoxin | May reduce absorption and effectiveness. |
Important Points
- Inform your healthcare provider about all medicines being used.
- Avoid self-medication during chemotherapy.
- Regular blood monitoring is required.
- Report fever, bleeding, or unusual weakness immediately.
| Manufacturer | : | Finecure Pharma, India |
| Trade Name | : | Cytosar-U |
| Generic Search | : | Cytarabine |
| Strength | : | 100mg, 500mg, 1000mg |
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