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Arasid

Drug Name:

Cytarabine 100mg, 500mg, 1000mg Injection

Category:

International Brand: Cytosar/Depocyte

Cytosar/Depocyte

Details

Cytarabine 100mg, 500mg, 1000mg Injection is a Cell Cycle-Specific (CCS) anti cancer drug belonging to antimetabolites group..

It is mostly used in hematologic cancers, it is not effective in cases of solid tumors.

Mechanism of action:Cytarabine is an S phase–specific antimetabolite that is metabolized to triphosphate metabolite. This metabolite inhibits both DNA polymerase-α and DNA polymerase-β resulting in blockade of DNA synthesis and repair. This leads to death of the cancer cell.

It is available as Cytosar and Depocyte in the International market and Arasid in Indian market.

 

Uses

  • Cytosar is prescribed in hematologic malignancies like AML(acute myelogenous leukemia), ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia), CML(Chronic myelogenous leukemia), erythroleukemia, acute non-lymphoblastic leukaemia and meningeal leukaemia.
  • Arasid is used in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma especially in older patients as low dose therapy.
  • Depocyte is also used in high doses after bone marrow transplant in conditioning regimen.

 

Dosage

  • Cytarabine 100mg, 500mg, 1000mg Injection comes as a ready to use clear colorless solution and administered intravenously and subcutaneously by healthcare professionals only. It can be diluted with sterile water if given through infusion.
  • Arasid is given intrathecally in meningeal leukemia.
  • Cytarabine 100mg, 500mg, 1000mg Injection must be stored below 25°C but do not freeze and must be protected from light.
  • Dosages are determined by the doctor according to the stage of cancer, weight, height, pre existing medical condition, response and side effects of the drug.
  • Dosages are also adjusted according to the dose related side effects
  • It is usually administered over a period of 5 to 7 days because of its rapid degradation in case of lymphoblastic leukemia.

 

Side effects

  • Fever, chills
  • Allergy
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • inflammation at the site of injection
  • myelosuppression with neutropenia thrombocytopenia and anemia
  • cerebellar ataxia
  • mucositis
  • neurotoxicity
  • pulmonary toxicity
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • hair loss
  • Infections
  • muscle and joint pain
  • Abdominal pain
  • Respiratory distress

 

Precautions

  • Tell the doctor about ongoing medications,previous history of chemotherapy and any allergy before starting the drug.
  • Inform the doctor about pregnancy or future plan of pregnancy or breastfeeding as this drug can harm the foetus.
  • Cytarabine 100mg, 500mg, 1000mg Injection is contraindicated in case of allergy to cytarabine, very low blood cell count , encephalopathy and pregnancy.
  • Careful monitoring is required in child patients.It should not be used in infants.
  • Regular blood cell count tests, liver and kidney tests must be done.

Arasid interacts with other cytotoxic drugs leading to severe systemic toxicity.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Arasid Injection?
Arasid is an anticancer medicine containing Cytarabine in 100 mg, 500 mg, and 1000 mg injection strengths. It belongs to the antimetabolite group and is primarily used in the treatment of certain hematologic cancers.

2. What is Arasid (Cytarabine) used for?
Arasid is used in the treatment of certain blood cancers and may be used for conditions such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and other hematologic malignancies, depending on the doctor’s treatment plan.

3. How is Arasid Injection administered?
Cytarabine may be administered intravenously or subcutaneously by qualified healthcare professionals. In specific clinical situations, Cytarabine may also be administered intrathecally. The route and dosage are determined by the treating doctor.

4. What strengths of Arasid are available?
Lotus International lists Arasid as Cytarabine 100 mg, 500 mg, and 1000 mg Injection. The appropriate strength and dosage depend on the patient’s condition and the prescribed treatment protocol.

5. What are the common side effects of Arasid?
Possible side effects include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, hair loss, infections, and reduced blood cell counts. More serious effects can also occur, so appropriate medical monitoring is important.