Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Mavenclad (Cladribine).
Birth Control: Mavenclad (Cladribine) should not be used during pregnancy. Women of childbearing age who are taking Mavenclad (Cladribine) and female partners or men who are taking Mavenclad (Cladribine) should use an effective method of birth control during treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose of the medication. It is not known if Mavenclad (Cladribine) will make birth control pills less effective. If you are using birth control pills, a barrier method of contraception (e.g., condoms) should be added during treatment and for at least 4 weeks after the last dose in each treatment year. If you become pregnant while taking Mavenclad (Cladribine), contact your doctor immediately.
Cancer: As with other medications that reduce the effectiveness of the immune system, Mavenclad (Cladribine) may increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer. Discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor. Report any unusual infections, swelling or persistent pain, or unintentional weight loss to your doctor as soon as possible.
Fructose intolerance: Mavenclad (Cladribine) contains sorbitol. If you have hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, you should not take Mavenclad (Cladribine).
Kidney function: Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Mavenclad (Cladribine) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Mavenclad (Cladribine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Mavenclad (Cladribine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): There have been reports of PML after using Mavenclad (Cladribine). PML is a rare disorder that causes nerve damage in the brain. If you experience memory loss, vision loss, trouble thinking, or difficulty walking, contact your doctor immediately.
Serious infections: Mavenclad (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 Mavenclad (Cladribine) with other medications that reduce the body's ability to fight infection. For some people, these infections have been fatal. If you have a history of chronic or frequent infections, discuss with your doctor how Mavenclad (Cladribine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Contact your doctor right away if you notice symptoms of a serious infection, such as fever, chills, headache, flu-like symptoms, feeling tired, cough, blood in the sputum, shortness of breath, night sweats, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, frequency or burning while passing urine, redness or swelling of skin or joint, cold sores, tooth pain, or new or worsening pain in any part of the body.
Vaccinations: It is not known how effective vaccines may be after treatment with Mavenclad (Cladribine). Certain immunizations may be dangerous if given while receiving or shortly after receiving a treatment course of Mavenclad (Cladribine). Before starting treatment with this medication, check with your doctor to ensure your immunizations are up to date. Vaccinations, including vaccinatation against chicken pox or shingles, should be completed at least 6 weeks before starting to take Mavenclad (Cladribine).
Pregnancy: There is very little information about the effects of Mavenclad (Cladribine) on the mother or developing baby if Mavenclad (Cladribine) is taken during pregnancy. It must not be used if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Mavenclad (Cladribine) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Mavenclad (Cladribine), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Mavenclad (Cladribine) have not been established for children.
Seniors: People 65 years of age and over were not included in studies for Mavenclad (Cladribine). Because seniors are more likely to have decreased kidney or liver function, they may be more likely to experience side effects of Mavenclad (Cladribine).
