Arasid 1000mg Injection (Cytarabine): Comprehensive Medicine Guide
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, chills, or sore throat
- Unusual bruising, bleeding gums, blood in urine or stool
- Severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or palpitations
- Confusion, seizures, severe headache, or vision changes
- Severe mouth sores preventing eating or drinking
- Yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe abdominal pain
- Decreased urine output or swelling in legs or feet
- Severe skin rash with blistering or peeling
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is cytarabine 1000mg injection used for?
This medicine is a chemotherapy injection containing cytarabine 1000 mg, used mainly for acute myeloid leukemia and other blood cancers. It is given intravenously by a healthcare professional and works by blocking DNA synthesis in cancer cells. It can cause low blood counts, infections, and other side effects, so close monitoring is required.
- Generic Name: Cytarabine
- Manufacturer: Pfizer Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 cytarabine 1000mg injection के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा मुख्य रूप से तीव्र माइलॉयड ल्यूकेमिया (AML), तीव्र लिम्फोब्लास्टिक ल्यूकेमिया (ALL), और मेनिन्जियल ल्यूकेमिया जैसे रक्त कैंसर के इलाज में उपयोग की जाती है। यह एक कीमोथेरेपी इंजेक्शन है जिसे सिर्फ अस्पताल या कैंसर विशेषज्ञ की देखरेख में नस के माध्यम से दिया जाता है। यह कैंसर कोशिकाओं के डीएनए को नष्ट करके उनकी वृद्धि को रोकती है। इसका उपयोग स्टेम सेल ट्रांसप्लांट से पहले भी किया जा सकता है।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में मतली, उल्टी, भूख न लगना, मुँह के छाले, दस्त, बुखार, थकान और त्वचा पर दाने शामिल हैं। यह रक्त कोशिकाओं को कम कर सकती है, जिससे संक्रमण, खून बहने और एनीमिया का खतरा बढ़ जाता है। कुछ रोगियों में फ्लू जैसे लक्षण, मांसपेशियों में दर्द, और सीने में परेशानी हो सकती है। गंभीर दुष्प्रभावों में गंभीर संक्रमण, लीवर और किडनी की समस्या, और दुर्लभ रूप से हृदय या तंत्रिका तंत्र की समस्याएं शामिल हैं। कोई भी नया बुखार, असामान्य खून बहना, सांस लेने में कठिनाई, या भ्रम होने पर तुरंत डॉक्टर को बताएं।
सुरक्षा सलाह: यह दवा केवल योग्य डॉक्टर या स्वास्थ्यकर्मी द्वारा अस्पताल में ही दी जानी चाहिए। इसे घर पर स्वयं न लगाएं। अपने डॉक्टर को अपनी सभी दवाओं, सप्लीमेंट्स और हर्बल उत्पादों के बारे में बताएं। संक्रमण से बचने के लिए हाथ धोते रहें और भीड़-भाड़ वाली जगहों से बचें। जब प्लेटलेट्स कम हों, तो नरम टूथब्रश और इलेक्ट्रिक रेजर का उपयोग करें। पर्याप्त पानी पिएं। डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार दवाएं और आई ड्रॉप्स लें। इलाज के दौरान लाइव वैक्सीन न लगवाएं। गर्भधारण से बचने के लिए प्रभावी गर्भनिरोधक उपाय अपनाएं। 100.4°F (38°C) या अधिक बुखार, ठंड लगना, गले में खराश, आसानी से चोट लगना, पेशाब या मल में खून, तेज सिरदर्द, दृष्टि में बदलाव, या सांस लेने में कठिनाई होने पर तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
💊 cytarabine 1000mg injection Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)","description":"This medicine is a cornerstone of induction and consolidation chemotherapy for AML, often combined with anthracyclines or other agents.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)","description":"Used in multi-agent chemotherapy regimens for both adult and pediatric ALL, especially in central nervous system-directed therapy.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Meningeal leukemia and lymphomatous meningitis","description":"Given intrathecally, though this product is for intravenous use, cytarabine is a standard intrathecal agent for central nervous system involvement.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) blast crisis","description":"May be used in blast phase disease, often in combination with other agents.","evidence":"Established"},{"condition":"Non-Hodgkin lymphoma","description":"Included in some salvage or high-dose regimens for certain aggressive lymphomas.","evidence":"Established"},{"condition":"Stem cell transplantation conditioning","description":"Part of high-dose conditioning regimens before allogeneic or autologous transplant in selected patients.","evidence":"Established"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) consolidation","description":"Sometimes included in consolidation regimens for APL in specific protocols.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Optic nerve glioma or other rare CNS tumors","description":"Occasionally used in selected rare tumors under specialist supervision.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
Also treats: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), Meningeal leukemia, Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) blast crisis, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Stem cell transplantation conditioning
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Cytarabine |
| Brand Name | Arasid 1000mg Injection |
| Manufacturer | Pfizer Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | ANTI NEOPLASTICS |
| Action Class | Antimetabolites |
| Route of Administration | Intravenous (IV) infusion or injection. This product is for intravenous use only and must be administered by a qualified healthcare professional |
| Storage | Store this medicine in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep in the original carton until use. Follow institutional guidelines for handling and disposal of cytotoxic drugs. |
| Shelf Life | The shelf life is typically 24 months from the date of manufacture when stored under recommended conditions. Refer to the product label for the exact expiry date. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information for this specific product. Cytarabine is included in many international treatment protocols for leukemia, but specific WHO guideline recommendations should be verified from current WHO publications. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information for this specific product. Refer to current ICMR guidelines for cancer treatment in India. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
Cytarabine is a pyrimidine nucleoside analogue that must be activated inside cells. It enters cells and is phosphorylated to cytarabine triphosphate, which competes with the natural nucleotide deoxycytidine triphosphate for incorporation into DNA. Once incorporated, it acts as a chain terminator and inhibits DNA polymerase, blocking DNA synthesis and repair. This primarily affects cells that are actively dividing, such as leukemia cells, leading to cell death. Cytarabine also has some inhibitory effect on ribonucleotide reductase, further reducing the building blocks needed for DNA synthesis.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take cytarabine 1000mg injection
Strength: This product is a sterile injection containing cytarabine 1000 mg. It is supplied as a single-use vial for intravenous administration.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The dose of this medicine is highly individualized and depends on the specific cancer, treatment protocol, and patient factors. For acute myeloid leukemia induction, common regimens include cytarabine 100 mg/m²/day by continuous intravenous infusion for 7 days, often combined with an anthracycline. For high-dose regimens, doses of 1 to 3 g/m² every 12 hours may be used. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function, and prior treatments. This information is for educational reference only and is not a prescription. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information for this specific product. Cytarabine is used in pediatric leukemia protocols, but dosing must be determined by a pediatric oncologist based on body surface area, indication, and protocol. Consult a pediatric oncologist. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the toxic effects of this medicine, especially bone marrow suppression, infections, and neurological toxicity. Doses may need to be reduced or adjusted based on kidney and liver function, performance status, and comorbidities. Close monitoring is essential. |
| Renal Impairment | Dose adjustments may be necessary in patients with kidney impairment, especially for high-dose regimens. Kidney function should be monitored closely, and doses should be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Dose adjustments may be necessary in patients with liver impairment. Liver function should be monitored, and doses should be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose varies by protocol and indication. High-dose regimens may use up to 3 g/m² every 12 hours for a limited number of doses. The exact maximum must be determined by the treating oncologist. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of cytarabine 1000mg injection
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Live vaccines | Major | |
| Other myelosuppressive agents | Major | |
| Digoxin | Moderate | |
| Aminoglycosides | Moderate | |
| Flucytosine | Moderate | |
| Methotrexate | Moderate | |
| Warfarin | Moderate | |
| Paracetamol | Minor | |
| Ondansetron | Minor | |
| Alcohol | Moderate |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Live vaccines
- Other myelosuppressive chemotherapy or radiation
- Digoxin
- Gentamicin and other aminoglycosides
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Flucytosine
- Methotrexate
- Warfarin
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol should be avoided while receiving this medicine because it can increase the risk of liver toxicity, worsen nausea and vomiting, and add to fatigue. It may also increase the risk of bleeding if platelet counts are low.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known hypersensitivity to cytarabine or any component of the formulation","Active serious infection unless the treating clinician decides benefit outweighs risk","Severe bone marrow suppression unless part of the intended treatment","Pregnancy, unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk","Breastfeeding, unless breastfeeding is discontinued"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This medicine should be administered only by healthcare professionals experienced in cancer chemotherapy.","Bone marrow suppression is expected and can be severe; blood counts must be monitored closely.","Serious infections can occur; patients should report fever promptly.","Cytarabine syndrome can occur and may require corticosteroid treatment.","High-dose therapy can cause severe neurological toxicity, including seizures and coma.","Eye toxicity can occur with high-dose therapy; prophylactic eye drops are often prescribed.","Liver and kidney function should be monitored regularly.","Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment.","Patients should use effective contraception during and after treatment.","This medicine can cause fetal harm; pregnant women should be informed of the potential risks."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
It is not known whether cytarabine is excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a nursing infant, breastfeeding should be discontinued during treatment and for a period after treatment as advised by the doctor.
💊 Overdose Management
There is no specific antidote for cytarabine overdose. Management should be supportive and symptomatic, with close monitoring of blood counts, liver and kidney function, and neurological status. In case of suspected overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency services immediately. Patients may require hospitalization for monitoring and management of severe bone marrow suppression, infections, or other complications.
⏰ Missed Dose
This medicine is given by healthcare professionals in a controlled setting, so missed doses are managed by the treating team. If you miss an appointment for your dose, contact your oncology clinic as soon as possible to reschedule. Do not attempt to self-administer or double the dose.
Additional Safety Advice
This medicine must be given only by a qualified healthcare professional in a setting where blood counts, liver function, kidney function, and vital signs can be monitored closely. Do not attempt to administer it at home. Inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you take, because some can increase the risk of bleeding, infection, or organ toxicity. Avoid close contact with people who have active infections, and practice good hand hygiene. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor to reduce bleeding risk when platelet counts are low. Drink fluids as advised to help protect the kidneys, and follow all instructions for anti-nausea medicines and eye drops. Do not receive live vaccines during treatment without asking your oncologist. Use effective contraception during treatment and for a period after treatment as advised by your doctor, because this medicine can harm a developing baby. Report fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, chills, sore throat, easy bruising, blood in urine or stool, severe headache, vision changes, or difficulty breathing immediately.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients are at higher risk of severe bone marrow suppression, infections, and neurological toxicity. Doses may need to be reduced, and close monitoring is essential. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor, and consider geriatric assessment to guide treatment decisions.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
This medicine can cause fetal harm. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for a period after treatment as advised by their doctor. Men should also use effective contraception. If you are planning pregnancy, discuss with your oncologist before starting treatment, as fertility preservation options may be available.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
If you have recently had surgery, inform your surgeon and oncologist. This medicine can impair wound healing and increase infection risk. Your treatment schedule may need to be adjusted around surgery. Close monitoring for bleeding and infection is important.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist that you are receiving this medicine. Dental procedures may need to be postponed if your blood counts are low, due to increased risk of bleeding and infection. Your dentist and oncologist should coordinate your care. Good oral hygiene is important to prevent complications.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
Discuss exercise with your doctor before starting any routine. During treatment, your blood counts may be low, so strenuous exercise or activities with a risk of injury should be avoided. Light walking or gentle stretching may be appropriate if you feel well, but always prioritize rest when fatigued.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine can cause significant fatigue, nausea, and increased infection risk, which may affect your ability to work. Most patients need to take time off during treatment cycles. Driving and operating machinery should be avoided if you feel dizzy, fatigued, or confused. Discuss your work situation with your doctor and employer to plan for necessary leave.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop this medicine without consulting your oncologist. Treatment schedules are carefully planned, and stopping early can reduce effectiveness and increase the risk of relapse. If you experience severe side effects, your doctor may adjust the dose or delay treatment. Always follow your healthcare team's guidance.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term effects of this medicine may include persistent bone marrow suppression, increased risk of secondary cancers, and organ toxicity. Some patients may experience lasting fatigue or neurological effects, especially after high-dose therapy. Regular follow-up with your oncologist is important to monitor for late effects and to manage any ongoing symptoms. Fertility may be affected; discuss fertility preservation options before treatment if applicable.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Depending on the type and stage of leukemia, other chemotherapy combinations may be used.
Evidence: Well-establishedFor certain genetic mutations, targeted drugs may be used alone or in combination.
Evidence: Established for specific subtypesMay be curative for some patients, often after cytarabine-based conditioning.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment with this medicine because of the risk of vaccine-related infection. Inactivated vaccines may be given, but their effectiveness may be reduced. Discuss vaccination with your oncologist, and ensure household members are up to date on their vaccines to reduce your risk of exposure.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F)
❌ DON'T
Do not freeze
✅ DO
Keep in the original carton to protect from light
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Follow institutional guidelines for cytotoxic drug handling
❌ DON'T
Do not store at room temperature for prolonged periods
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
This medicine is administered in a hospital or clinic, so travel planning should be coordinated with your oncology team. If you need to travel during treatment, carry a copy of your prescription and medical records. This medicine is stored in a refrigerator, so it must be transported under proper cold-chain conditions by healthcare professionals. Do not carry it in personal luggage. Plan travel around your treatment schedule and ensure you have access to a medical facility in case of complications. Discuss any travel plans with your doctor in advance.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: The effects on leukemia cells begin within hours, but clinical response is usually assessed after completing a treatment cycle, which may take several weeks. Your doctor will monitor your blood and bone marrow to evaluate response.
A: No, this medicine must be given in a hospital or clinic by a healthcare professional because it requires close monitoring and management of serious side effects.
A: Contact your doctor immediately. Fever may be a sign of a serious infection, especially when your white blood cell count is low.
A: No, this medicine can harm a developing baby. Use effective contraception during treatment and for a period after treatment as advised by your doctor.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for cytarabine 1000mg injection
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
cytaneon 1000mg injectionNeon Laboratories Ltd ₹347.19 78.8% CHEAPER
-
cytarine 1000mg injectionFresenius Kabi India Pvt Ltd ₹425.76 73.9% CHEAPER
-
oncotar 1000mg injectionUnited Biotech Pvt Ltd ₹895.00 45.2% CHEAPER
-
cancyt 1000mg injectionMiracalus Pharma Pvt Ltd ₹990.00 39.4% CHEAPER
-
cytraze 1000mg injectionKhandelwal Laboratories Pvt Ltd ₹1,000.00 38.8% CHEAPER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: Cytarabine injection can be self-administered at home.
Fact: This medicine must be given by a healthcare professional in a controlled setting due to its serious side effects and need for monitoring. - Myth: Cytarabine is safe for everyone with cancer.
Fact: It is used for specific types of leukemia and lymphoma and is not appropriate for all cancers. It has significant risks and contraindications. - Myth: You can stop cytarabine treatment if you feel better.
Fact: Treatment schedules are carefully planned. Stopping early can reduce effectiveness and increase the risk of relapse. Always consult your oncologist.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Cytarabine injection
Brand Alternatives
- Arasid 1000mg injection