CLADRIBINE
Cladribine is a synthetic purine nucleoside analogue with cytotoxic and immunosuppressive properties. It selectively targets lymphocytes by interfering with DNA synthesis and repair, leading to long-lasting reduction of specific immune cells. Cladribine is used mainly in certain blood cancers and autoimmune neurological conditions.- Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL) - Relapsing forms of Multiple Sclerosis (RMS), including relapsing-remitting MS and active secondary progressive MS (adult patients)
- Hairy Cell Leukemia: Commonly administered as an intravenous infusion or subcutaneous injection, with dosing based on body weight and clinical protocol. - Multiple Sclerosis: Given orally in treatment courses over two years, with the total cumulative dose calculated based on body weight. Treatment is not continuous and is administered in short cycles. Dosage should be determined by a qualified healthcare professional.
- Hypersensitivity to cladribine or any component of the formulation - Pregnancy and breastfeeding - Active malignancy - Active chronic infections (e.g., tuberculosis, HIV) - Moderate to severe renal impairment (for oral formulation) - Severe hepatic impairment
- Monitor lymphocyte counts before, during, and after treatment - Screen for infections, including tuberculosis and hepatitis, prior to initiation - Effective contraception is required for both men and women during treatment and for a specified period after the last dose - Increased risk of infections due to immunosuppression - Live or live-attenuated vaccines should be avoided during and after treatment until immune recovery
- Lymphopenia - Increased risk of infections (e.g., herpes zoster) - Headache - Nausea - Fatigue - Rash - Fever
- Concomitant use with other immunosuppressive or myelosuppressive agents may increase the risk of infections - Live vaccines may cause severe infections - Caution with drugs affecting renal function or hematologic parameters
