fludarabine, an antimetabolite used to treat neoplasia. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed in the treatment of patients with B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia and as salvage therapy for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and acute leukemias. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: It should not be given to patients who are pregnant or hypersensitive to this drug or its components. Patients should be closely observed for signs of hematologic and nonhematologic toxicity (e.g., edema, fatigue, myalgias). ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: It is a potent antineoplastic agent with potentially significant side effects. The side effects most often reported include myelosuppression, fever and chills, nausea, and vomiting.
