Cladribine
Generic name: cladribine (oral) [ KLAD-ri-been ]
Brand name: Mavenclad
Dosage form: oral tablet (10 mg)
Drug class:Antimetabolites
What is cladribine?
Cladribine is used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. cladribine will not cure MS, it will only decrease the frequency of relapse symptoms.
Cladribine is usually given after other treatments have failed.
Cladribine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Do not take cladribine if you are pregnant. Both men and women should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking cladribine, and for 6 months after the last dose.
If you use birth control pills or other hormonal forms (implants, skin patches, vaginal rings), also use a barrier form of birth control (condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, contraceptive sponge) to prevent pregnancy while taking cladribine and for at least 4 weeks after your treatment course ends.
Taking cladribine may increase your risk of developing certain cancers.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take cladribine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
cancer;
an active infection such as tuberculosis or hepatitis B or C;
HIV or AIDS; or
if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
an active or chronic infection;
heart problems;
weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine);
liver or kidney disease;
cancer; or
if you receive blood transfusions.
Tell your doctor if you have recently received a vaccine (within 4 to 6 weeks before you take cladribine).
Taking cladribine may increase your risk of developing certain cancers. Ask your doctor about this risk.
Do not take cladribine if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Cladribinecan harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using cladribine.
If you are a woman taking cladribine, you may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medicine. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.
If you are a man taking cladribine, use effective birth control if your sex partner is a...
