Monograph Details
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Neoplasms
> Antimetabolites
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DEPOCYT |
| Manufacturer |
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Enzon Pharmaceuticals |
| Legal Classification |
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Rx
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| Pharmacological Class |
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Antimetabolite |
| Generic Name |
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Cytarabine 50mg/vial; liposomal suspension for intrathecal administration; preservative-free. |
| Indications |
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Intrathecal treatment of lymphomatous meningitis. |
| Children |
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Not recommended. |
| Adults |
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See literature. Give intrathecally over 1–5 minutes. Administer dexamethasone 4mg twice daily for 5 days with each cycle of treatment. Induction: 50mg every 14 days for 2 doses (weeks 1 and 3). Consolidation: 50mg every 14 days for 3 doses (weeks 5, 7 and 9) followed by 1 additional dose at week 13. Maintenance: 50mg every 28 days for 4 doses (weeks 17, 21, 25 and 29). Reduce dose to 25mg if neurotoxicity develops and discontinue if it persists. |
| Contraindications |
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Active meningeal infection. |
| Precautions |
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Chemical arachnoiditis; reduce symptoms with dexamethasone. Previous irradiation, cytotoxic chemotherapy. Monitor blood counts and for development of neurotoxicity. Renal and hepatic impairment. Pregnancy (Cat.D); avoid use. Nursing mothers: not recommended. |
| Interactions |
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Increased risk of neurotoxicity with concomitant cranial/spinal irradiation or other intrathecal antineoplastics. |
| Adverse Reactions |
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See literature. Arachnoiditis, GI upset, headache, fever, neurological toxicity (myelopathy), hydrocephalus, elevated CSF protein and WBC, weakness, back pain, insomnia, blurred vision, anaphylactic reactions; others. |
| How Supplied |
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Single-use vials (5mL)—1 |
| Additional Resources |
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• Related Prescribing Note |
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