fludarabine

fludarabine /flu·dar·a·bine/ (floo-dar´ah-bēn) an adenine analogue and purine antimetabolite used as the phosphate salt as an antineoplastic in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

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fludarabine,

an antimetabolite used to treat neoplasia.

indications It is prescribed in the treatment of patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia and as salvage therapy for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and acute leukemias.

contraindications It should not be given to patients who are pregnant or hypersensitive to this drug or its components. Patients should be closely observed for signs of hematologic and nonhematologic toxicity (e.g., edema, fatigue, myalgias).

adverse effects It is a potent antineoplastic agent with potentially significant side effects. The side effects most often reported include myelosuppression, fever and chills, nausea, and vomiting.

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fludarabine [floo-dar´ah-bēn]

an adenine analogue and purineantimetabolite that inhibits DNA synthesis; administered intravenously as the phosphate salt as an antineoplastic agent in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.