Mavenclad (Cladribine)

Additional information

Mavenclad (Cladribine) is typically taken once a day. This medication's dosage depends on your weight. Your doctor or pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. It may be taken with or without food. Swallow the whole tablet with a full glass of water. Other medications that you take by mouth should be separated from cladribine by at least 3 hours on the days that you take cladribine. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often than prescribed. Do not crush, break, or chew. If you miss a dose, contact your pharmacist. 

WARNING: Mavenclad causes damage to the DNA (genotoxicity) and suppresses the immune system. As a result, it could potentially increase the risk of cancer. This medication should not be used during pregnancy. Women who could become pregnant who are taking cladribine and female partners of men who are taking cladribine should use an effective method of birth control during treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose of the medication. This medication contains sorbitol. Cladribine affects the way your body's natural defences work to fight infection. This makes the body more likely to develop infections due to bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This effect is increased if you are taking cladribine with other medications that reduce the body's ability to fight infection.

In addition to its desired action, Mavenclad (Cladribine) may cause some side effects, notably:
It may cause back pain, cold sores, headaches, or rash.
It may cause cold symptoms (e.g., fatigue, nasal congestion, cough, sore throat), diarrhea, toothaches, nausea, or vomiting. 
It may cause hair loss or thinning.

Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to cladribine or any component of the formulation; patients at increased risks of developing infections; breast-feeding and pregnancy; history of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML); active cancer; moderate to severely decreased kidney function; severe active or long-term infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi (e.g., hepatitis, tuberculosis); men who could father children or women who could become pregnant and do not plan to use effective birth control while taking Mavenclad (Cladribine) and for 6 months after taking the last dose of cladribine. 

Taking Mavenclad (Cladribine) during pregnancy may be harmful for the baby. Women of childbearing potential should use an effective contraceptive method. Pregnant women should not use this product. If you're planning a pregnancy or become pregnant or breastfeeding, contact your family doctor.

A treatment with Mavenclad (Cladribine) requires regular monitoring by a doctor. Be sure to see your doctor for all regularly scheduled appointments.Mavenclad (Cladribine)