pentostatin

Generic Name: pentostatin (PEN toe stah tin)

Brand Names: Nipent

What is pentostatin?

Pentostatin is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Pentostatin interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Pentostatin is used to treat a specific type of blood cancer (hairy cell leukemia).

Pentostatin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about pentostatin?

Pentostatin should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Serious side effects have been reported with the use of pentostatin including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); blood and bone marrow problems; kidney problems; liver problems; lung problems; nervous system problems; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with pentostatin.

Who should not take pentostatin?

Before taking pentostatin, tell your doctor if you

• 
  

  have had recent vaccinations;

  
  


• 
  

  have any type of infection;

  
  


• have liver disease;


• have kidney disease;


• 
  

  have breathing or respiratory problems;

  
  


• 
  

  have bone marrow problems; or

  
  


• 
  

  have bleeding or blood clotting problems.

  
  

You may not be able to take pentostatin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Pentostatin is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that pentostatin is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not take pentostatin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Contraceptive measures are recommended during treatment with pentostatin. It is not known whether pentostatin passes into breast milk. Do not take pentostatin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

How should I take pentostatin?

Pentostatin should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with pentostatin depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.

Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with pentostatin to monitor progress and side effects.

Your healthcare provider will store pentostatin as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing pentostatin, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.

See also: Pentostatin dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of pentostatin injection.

What happens if I overdose?

If for any reason an overdose of pentostatin is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Symptoms of a pentostatin overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe.

What should I avoid while taking pentostatin?

Pentostatin can lower the activity of your immune system making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with pentostatin. In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you.

Pentostatin side effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• 
  

  an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of your throat; difficulty breathing; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives);

  
  


• 
  

  nervous system problems, such as a burning, pricking, or tingling feeling, or twitching;

  
  


• 
  

  severe skin rash;

  
  


• 
  

  confusion , dizziness, extreme sleepiness;

  
  


• 
  

  signs of infection such as fever; chills, or sore throat;

  
  


• 
  

  sudden shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or increased cough; or

  
  


• 
  

  unusual bleeding or bruising.

  
  

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience:

• 
  

  nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite;

  
  


• 
  

  mouth sores;

  
  


• 
  

  itching;

  
  


• 
  

  muscle or joint aches and pains; or

  
  


• 
  

  headache.

  
  

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pentostatin Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Hairy Cell Leukemia:

For use as single agent treatment for both untreated and alpha interferon refractory hairy cell leukemia patients with active disease (as defined by clinically significant anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, or disease related symptoms):
4 mg/m2 every other week. (Higher doses are not recommended.)

What other drugs will affect pentostatin?

Do not take pentostatin without first talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications:

• 
  

  fludarabine (Fludara);

  
  


• 
  

  carmustine(BiCNU, others);

  
  


• 
  

  etoposide(Etopophos, Toposar, Vepesid );

  
  


• 
  

  cyclophosphamide(Cytoxan, Neosar); or

  
  


• 
  

  vidarabine eye drops (Vira-A); or

  
  


• 
  

  any other cancer (chemotherapy) medications.

  
  

You may not be able to take pentostatin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment with pentostatin. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous during treatment with pentostatin.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with pentostatin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

More pentostatin resources

• Pentostatin Side Effects (in more detail)
• Pentostatin Dosage
• Pentostatin Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Pentostatin Drug Interactions
• Pentostatin Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Pentostatin - Add your own review/rating

• pentostatin Intravenous Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Pentostatin Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Pentostatin Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)


• Pentostatin Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Pentostatin MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Nipent Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare pentostatin with other medications

• Hairy Cell Leukemia

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about pentostatin written for health professionals that you may read.

See also: pentostatin side effects (in more detail)