Cytarabine, or Ara-C, is used to treat several kinds of leukemia and may also be used to treat non-Hodgkin lymphoma, according to the American Cancer Society. It can be given in high doses in some cases of leukemia and may be given intravenously, subcutaneously (just under the skin) or intrathecally (in the space around the spinal cord). Side effects of high-dose cytarabine depend on the dosage given, the dosing schedule and the patient's general health. Not everyone experiences all of the side effects, and the effects generally resolve once treatment has ended.
Common Side Effects
Side effects that are common with cytarabine include lowered white and red blood cell and platelet counts (leading to increased risk of infection, anemia and easy bruising/bleeding), nausea, vomiting, fatigue and mouth sores. Other side effects of high dosages of cytarabine include an increase in the blood level of uric acid and an increase in liver function tests, hair loss all over the body, eye irritation and possible adverse effects on your fertility.
Less Common Side Effects
Other side effects that may occur with high-dose cytarabine include loss of appetite, diarrhea, skin rashes, hand-foot syndrome (redness, peeling and possible blistering on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands), liver damage, headache and dizziness. A condition may occur called tumor lysis syndrome, which is when kidney damage results from the rapid death of a large amount of cancer cells. This happens when a larger amount of cancer cells than normal is present. Careful monitoring and medication administration by your health care team can prevent this from happening.
Serious Side Effects
If you develop a fever of 100.5 degrees F or higher, start having chills, chest pain or heart palpitations, or are unable to urinate, seek immediate medical attention, as these can be signs of infection or serious medical problems. Other serious side effects that your provider needs to be notified of include diarrhea, nausea or vomiting that interferes with functioning (four to six episodes in a 24-hour period), tarry or bloody stools, fatigue that prevents you from functioning in your daily activities, excessive sleepiness or any confusion, yellowing of your skin or eyes, stomach pain and swelling, or redness in one arm or leg and not the other.
