Cytarabine, sold under the brand name of Cytosar-U or Ara-C, is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as antimetabolites, according to Drugs.com. It treats cancers of the blood by destroying and stopping abnormal cell growth. If you are taking cytarabine, learn about its side effects.
Rare Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, rare side effects of cytarabine include chest pain, bone pain, fainting, heartburn and pain at the injection site. You may also experience trouble swallowing, weakness, jaundice (yellow skin or eyes), arrythmias (irregular heartbeats) and trouble swallowing.
Common Side Effects
Medline Plus states that you may commonly develop thinning of your hair, headache, weakness and poor appetite. You may also experience a headache, tingling of your feet or hands, poor appetite and weight loss.
Residual Side Effects
After you complete your cytarabine treatment, you may continue to have residual side effects. According to Drugs.com, residual side effects include cough, hoarseness, blood in your urine and black stools. Users may also experience fever, low back pain, red spots on your skin, bruising, bleeding and trouble urinating.
Serious Side Effects
Cytarabine can lead to serious side effects that warrant immediate medical help. Serious side effects include red urine, stomach pains, unusual bleeding, fever and rash. Users can also experience joint pain, trouble walking, sore throat and diarrhea.
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