Medicine guide

Nelarabine

5 mg/mL · Injection, Solution

  • Prescription only
  • Nucleoside Metabolic Inhibitor
Active substance
Nelarabine
Made by
Sagent Pharmaceuticals

Quoted from the official source. Not yet reviewed by Mediclarum — the leaflet in your pack is authoritative.

At a glance

Quoted from the official label · 2024-05-28

What it is

Nucleoside Metabolic Inhibitor

Used for
  • Nelarabine is indicated for the treatment of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) in adult and pediatric patients age 1 year and older whose disease has not…
The label’s usual adult dose

Adult Dose :: 1,500 mg/m² administered intravenously over 2 hours on Days 1, 3, and 5 repeated every 21 days.

Full directions ↓
Serious warning

NEUROLOGIC ADVERSE REACTIONS Severe neurologic adverse reactions have been reported with the use of nelarabine.

All warnings ↓
Good to know
  • Prescription only
  • FDA enforcement reports list no ongoing recall, and none from the last two years, for this product code · checked 2026-10-02
13other products contain Nelarabine — compare makers, forms and strengths

Every line above is selected, not written, from the official label. Nothing is reworded. DailyMed

What it is for

  • Nelarabine is indicated for the treatment of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) in adult and pediatric patients age 1 year and older whose disease has not responded to or has relapsed following treatment with at least two chemotherapy regimens.
  • Nelarabine is a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor indicated for the treatment of patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma in adult and pediatric patients age 1 year and older whose disease has not responded to or has relapsed following treatment with at least two chemotherapy regimens.
  • ( 1 )

From the official label · 2024-05-28 · DailyMed

How it works

From this product’s own US prescribing label.

Nelarabine is a prodrug of the deoxyguanosine analogue 9-β-D-arabinofuranosylguanine (ara-G), a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor.

Nelarabine is demethylated by adenosine deaminase (ADA) to ara-G, mono-phosphorylated by deoxyguanosine kinase and deoxycytidine kinase, and subsequently converted to the active 5'-triphosphate, ara-GTP.

How it leaves the body

Nelarabine and ara-G are partially eliminated by the kidneys.

Quoted from the prescribing label, sections “Mechanism of Action” and “Pharmacokinetics”. DailyMed · 2024-05-28

Serious warning

The strongest warning the FDA requires. It is printed in a box at the top of the label.

  • NEUROLOGIC ADVERSE REACTIONS Severe neurologic adverse reactions have been reported with the use of nelarabine.
  • These adverse reactions have included altered mental states including severe somnolence, central nervous system effects including convulsions, and peripheral neuropathy ranging from numbness and paresthesias to motor weakness and paralysis.
  • There have also been reports of adverse reactions associated with demyelination, and ascending peripheral neuropathies similar in appearance to Guillain-Barré syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )].
  • Full recovery from these adverse reactions has not always occurred with cessation of therapy with nelarabine.
  • Monitor frequently for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicity during treatment with nelarabine.
  • Discontinue nelarabine for neurologic adverse reactions of NCI Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) Grade 2 or greater [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )].
  • WARNING:
  • NEUROLOGIC ADVERSE REACTIONS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.
  • Severe neurologic adverse reactions have been reported with the use of nelarabine.
  • These adverse reactions have included altered mental states including severe somnolence, central nervous system effects including convulsions, and peripheral neuropathy ranging from numbness and paresthesias to motor weakness and paralysis.
  • There have also been reports of adverse reactions associated with demyelination, and ascending peripheral neuropathies similar in appearance to Guillain-Barré syndrome.
  • ( 5.1 ) Full recovery from these adverse reactions has not always occurred with cessation of therapy with nelarabine.
  • Monitor frequently for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicity.
  • Discontinue nelarabine for neurologic adverse reactions of NCI Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) Grade 2 or greater.
  • ( 5.1 )

Quoted from the official label, section “Boxed Warning”.

Do not take it if

None. None ( 4 )

Quoted from the official label, section “Contraindications”.

How to take it

These directions are for this exact strength and form. Another one is different.

  • Adult Dose :
  • 1,500 mg/m² administered intravenously over 2 hours on Days 1, 3, and 5 repeated every 21 days.
  • ( 2.1 ) Pediatric Dose :
  • 650 mg/m² administered intravenously over 1 hour daily for 5 consecutive days repeated every 21 days.
  • ( 2.1 ) Discontinue treatment for neurologic reactions greater than or equal to Grade 2.
  • ( 2.2 ) Dosage may be delayed for hematologic reactions.
  • ( 2.2 ) Take measures to prevent hyperuricemia.
  • ( 2.4 )
  • 2.1 Recommended Dosage This product is for intravenous use only.
  • Adult Dosage :
  • The recommended adult dose of nelarabine is 1,500 mg/m² administered intravenously over 2 hours on Days 1, 3, and 5 repeated every 21 days.
  • Administer nelarabine undiluted.
  • Pediatric Dosage:
  • The recommended pediatric dose of nelarabine is 650 mg/m² administered intravenously over 1 hour daily for 5 consecutive days repeated every 21 days.
  • Administer nelarabine undiluted.
  • The recommended duration of treatment for adult and pediatric patients has not been clearly established.
  • In clinical trials, treatment was generally continued until there was evidence of disease progression, the patient experienced unacceptable toxicity, the patient became a candidate for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), or the patient no longer continued to benefit from treatment.
  • 2.2 Dosage Modification Discontinue nelarabine if the patient develops a neurologic adverse reaction of NCI CTCAE Grade 2 or greater.
  • Dosage may be delayed for other toxicity, including hematologic toxicity [see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.2 )] .
  • 2.3 Dosage in Special Populations Nelarabine has not been studied in patients with renal or hepatic dysfunction [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 , 8.7 )].
  • No dose adjustment is recommended for patients with a creatinine clearance (CLCr) greater than or equal to 50 mL/min [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .
  • There are insufficient data to support a dose recommendation for patients with a CLCr less than 50 mL/min.
  • 2.4 Prevention of Hyperuricemia Take precautions against hyperuricemia (e.g., hydration, urine alkalinization, and prophylaxis with allopurinol) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] .
  • 2.5 Instructions for Handling, Preparation, and Administration Handling:
  • Nelarabine is a cytotoxic agent.
  • Caution should be used during handling and preparation.
  • Use of gloves and other protective clothing to prevent skin contact is recommended.
  • Proper aseptic technique should be used.
  • Guidelines for proper handling and disposal of anticancer drugs have been published. 1 Preparation and Administration:
  • Administer nelarabine undiluted.
  • Transfer the appropriate dose of nelarabine into polyvinylchloride (PVC) infusion bags or glass containers and administer as a 2-hour infusion in adult patients and as a 1-hour infusion in pediatric patients.
  • Prior to administration, inspect the drug product visually for particulate matter and discoloration.
  • Discard unused portion.
  • Stability:
  • Nelarabine Injection is stable in polyvinylchloride (PVC) infusion bags and glass containers for up to 8 hours at up to 30°C.

Quoted from the official label, section “Dosage & Administration”.

Other warnings

  • Neurologic Adverse Reactions : Severe neurologic reactions have been reported.
  • Monitor for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicity.
  • ( 5.1 ) Hematologic Reactions :
  • Complete blood counts including platelets should be monitored regularly.
  • ( 5.2 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity : Can cause fetal harm.
  • Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to the fetus and to use effective contraception; and advise males to use condoms.
  • ( 5.3 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines : Somnolence may occur.
  • Advise patients to refrain from these activities until somnolence has resolved.
  • ( 5.6 )
  • 5.1 Neurologic Adverse Reactions Nervous system adverse reactions of any grade were reported for 223 (76%) adult patients across the Phase I and Phase II trials, and Grade 3 or higher (severe, life-threatening, or fatal) adverse reactions were reported for 55 (19%) patients following initiation of nelarabine therapy [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )].
  • Based on patients with complete data, the median time to onset of first event is 5 days from start of first infusion (range:
  • 1-166), and the median duration is 6 days (range:
  • 1-393 days).
  • Nervous system adverse reactions of any grade were reported for 69 (42%) pediatric patients across the Phase I and Phase II trials, and Grade 3 or higher (severe, life-threatening, or fatal) adverse reactions were reported for 25 (15%) patients following initiation of nelarabine therapy [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )].
  • Based on patients with complete data, the median time to onset of first event is 8 days from start of first infusion (range:
  • 1-269), and the median duration is 2 days (range:
  • 1-82 days).
  • Common signs and symptoms of nelarabine-related neurotoxicity include somnolence, headache, paresthesia and dysesthesia, dizziness, neuropathy (sensory and motor), cerebellar disturbances and tremor.
  • Severe neurologic toxicity can manifest as coma, status epilepticus, craniospinal demyelination, or ascending neuropathy similar in presentation to Guillain-Barré syndrome.
  • Patients treated previously or concurrently with intrathecal chemotherapy or previously with craniospinal irradiation may be at increased risk for neurologic adverse events.
  • Monitor patients frequently for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicity during and for at least 24 hours after completion of treatment with nelarabine.
  • Discontinue nelarabine for neurologic adverse reactions of NCI CTCAE Grade 2 or greater and provide supportive care [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] .
  • 5.2 Hematologic Adverse Reactions Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, and neutropenia, including febrile neutropenia, have been associated with nelarabine therapy.
  • Complete blood counts including platelets should be monitored regularly [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )].
  • 5.3 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on its mechanism of action and findings in animal studies, nelarabine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )].
  • In animal reproduction studies, intravenous administration of nelarabine to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis resulted in teratogenicity at maternal doses below the recommended human adult dose of 1,500 mg/m 2 /day (see Data).
  • Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use condoms during treatment with nelarabine and for 3 months after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 , 8.3 ), Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )].
  • 5.4 Tumor Lysis Syndrome Patients receiving nelarabine should receive intravenous hydration according to standard medical practice for the management of hyperuricemia in patients at risk for tumor lysis syndrome.
  • Consideration should be given to the use of allopurinol in patients at risk of hyperuricemia [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 )].
  • 5.5 Vaccinations Avoid the administration of live vaccines to immunocompromised patients.
  • 5.6 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines Patients treated with nelarabine may experience somnolence during and for several days after treatment [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )].
  • Advise patients to refrain from driving or engaging in hazardous occupations or activities until somnolence has resolved.

Quoted from the official label, section “Warnings”.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • Risk Summary Based on its mechanism of action and findings in animal studies, nelarabine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] .
  • Limited available data with nelarabine use in pregnant women are insufficient to determine a drug-associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes.
  • There are risks to the pregnant woman associated with untreated leukemia or lymphoma (see Clinical Considerations ) .
  • In animal reproduction studies, intravenous administration of nelarabine to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis resulted in teratogenicity at maternal doses below the recommended human adult dose of 1500 mg/m 2 /day (see Data ) .
  • Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus.
  • The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.
  • All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes.
  • In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies are 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
  • Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo-fetal Risk There are risks to the mother from untreated leukemia or lymphoma, including anemia, thrombocytopenia, and death.
  • Data Animal Data In an embryo-fetal development study in which pregnant rabbits were administered daily doses of nelarabine during organogenesis, increased incidences of fetal malformations, anomalies, and variations were observed at doses greater than or equal to 360 mg/m 2 /day (8-hour IV infusion; approximately 25% of the recommended human adult dose compared on a mg/m 2 basis), which was the lowest dose tested.
  • Cleft palate was seen in rabbits given 3,600 mg/m 2 /day (approximately 2-fold the adult dose), absent pollices (digits) in rabbits given greater than or equal to 1,200 mg/m 2 /day (approximately 75% of the recommended adult dose), while absent gall bladder, absent accessory lung lobes, fused or extra sternebrae, and delayed ossification was seen at all doses.
  • Maternal body weight gain and fetal body weights were reduced in rabbits given 3,600 mg/m 2 /day (approximately 2-fold the adult dose), but could not account for the increased incidence of malformations seen at this or lower administered doses.
  • IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Lactation : Advise not to breastfeed.
  • ( 8.2 ) Renal Impairment :
  • Closely monitor patients with moderate or severe renal impairment for toxicities.
  • ( 8.6 ) Hepatic Impairment :
  • Closely monitor patients with severe hepatic impairment for toxicities.
  • ( 8.7 )
  • 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on its mechanism of action and findings in animal studies, nelarabine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] .
  • Limited available data with nelarabine use in pregnant women are insufficient to determine a drug-associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes.
  • There are risks to the pregnant woman associated with untreated leukemia or lymphoma (see Clinical Considerations ) .
  • In animal reproduction studies, intravenous administration of nelarabine to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis resulted in teratogenicity at maternal doses below the recommended human adult dose of 1500 mg/m 2 /day (see Data ) .
  • Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus.
  • The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.
  • All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes.
  • In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies are 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
  • Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo-fetal Risk There are risks to the mother from untreated leukemia or lymphoma, including anemia, thrombocytopenia, and death.
  • Data Animal Data In an embryo-fetal development study in which pregnant rabbits were administered daily doses of nelarabine during organogenesis, increased incidences of fetal malformations, anomalies, and variations were observed at doses greater than or equal to 360 mg/m 2 /day (8-hour IV infusion; approximately 25% of the recommended human adult dose compared on a mg/m 2 basis), which was the lowest dose tested.
  • Cleft palate was seen in rabbits given 3,600 mg/m 2 /day (approximately 2-fold the adult dose), absent pollices (digits) in rabbits given greater than or equal to 1,200 mg/m 2 /day (approximately 75% of the recommended adult dose), while absent gall bladder, absent accessory lung lobes, fused or extra sternebrae, and delayed ossification was seen at all doses.
  • Maternal body weight gain and fetal body weights were reduced in rabbits given 3,600 mg/m 2 /day (approximately 2-fold the adult dose), but could not account for the increased incidence of malformations seen at this or lower administered doses.
  • 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of nelarabine or ara-G in human or animal milk, the effect on the breastfed child, or the effect on milk production.
  • Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in the breastfed child from nelarabine, such as severe neurological reactions, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with nelarabine.
  • 8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Pregnancy Testing Nelarabine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )] .
  • Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to starting treatment with nelarabine.
  • Contraception Females Nelarabine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )] .
  • Because of the potential for genotoxicity, advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with nelarabine.
  • Males Because of the potential for genotoxicity, advise males (including those who have had vasectomies) with female partners of reproductive potential to use condoms during treatment with nelarabine and for 3 months after the last dose [see Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )] .
  • 8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of nelarabine for relapsed or refractory T-ALL and T-LBL has been established in pediatric patients age 1 year and older.
  • The effectiveness of nelarabine in pediatric patients is supported by one single-arm clinical trial, and safety has been assessed in 165 pediatric patients age 1 year and older across multiple Phase I and Phase II trials.
  • The trial establishing efficacy included 84 patients age 21 years and younger, who had relapsed or refractory T-ALL or T-LBL.
  • The most frequent adverse reactions of any grade occurring on treatment in this study were hematologic laboratory abnormalities.
  • Hematologic toxicity observed in the pediatric population was higher than that seen in the adult population [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 ), Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )] .
  • Nervous system adverse reactions have been reported for 42% of pediatric patients across the Phase I and Phase II trials.
  • The incidence of nervous system adverse reactions was less in the pediatric population than that seen in adult patients with relapsed/refractory T-ALL/T-LBL [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] .
  • In a phase III study of nelarabine in combination with multi-agent chemotherapy as first-line therapy, there were 411 patients with T-ALL or T-LBL treated with nelarabine.
  • The safety profile in the 357 patients age 1 to 16 years was consistent with that seen in older patients in the study [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )].
  • Due to lack of long-term follow up data, a determination of the impact of nelarabine on the growth and pubertal development of pediatric patients cannot be made.
  • 8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical studies of nelarabine did not include sufficient numbers of patients age 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients.
  • In an exploratory analysis, increasing age, especially age 65 years and older, appeared to be associated with increased rates of neurologic adverse reactions.
  • Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 )] .
  • 8.6 Renal Impairment Ara-G clearance decreased as renal function decreased [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .
  • Because the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with moderate (CLCr 30 to 50 mL/min) or severe (CLCr less than 30 mL/min) renal impairment, these patients should be closely monitored for toxicities when treated with nelarabine [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )] .
  • 8.7 Hepatic Impairment The influence of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of nelarabine has not been evaluated.
  • Because the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with severe hepatic impairment (total bilirubin greater than 3 times upper limit of normal), these patients should be closely monitored for toxicities when treated with nelarabine.

Quoted from the official label, section “OTC — Pregnancy or Breast Feeding”.

Other medicines

  • Administration of nelarabine in combination with adenosine deaminase inhibitors, such as pentostatin, is not recommended [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )].
  • Administration in combination with adenosine deaminase inhibitors, such as pentostatin, is not recommended.
  • ( 7 , 12.3 )

Quoted from the official label, section “Drug Interactions”.

If you take too much

In an emergency, call your local emergency number or a poison control centre.

  • There is no known antidote for overdoses of nelarabine.
  • It is anticipated that overdosage would result in severe neurotoxicity (possibly including paralysis, coma), myelosuppression, and potentially death.
  • In the event of overdose, supportive care consistent with good clinical practice should be provided.
  • At a dose of 2,200 mg/m 2 given on Days 1, 3, and 5 every 21 days, 2 patients developed a significant Grade 3 ascending sensory neuropathy.
  • MRI evaluations of the 2 patients demonstrated findings consistent with a demyelinating process in the cervical spine.

Quoted from the official label, section “Overdosage”.

Use in children

  • The safety and effectiveness of nelarabine for relapsed or refractory T-ALL and T-LBL has been established in pediatric patients age 1 year and older.
  • The effectiveness of nelarabine in pediatric patients is supported by one single-arm clinical trial, and safety has been assessed in 165 pediatric patients age 1 year and older across multiple Phase I and Phase II trials.
  • The trial establishing efficacy included 84 patients age 21 years and younger, who had relapsed or refractory T-ALL or T-LBL.
  • The most frequent adverse reactions of any grade occurring on treatment in this study were hematologic laboratory abnormalities.
  • Hematologic toxicity observed in the pediatric population was higher than that seen in the adult population [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 ), Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )] .
  • Nervous system adverse reactions have been reported for 42% of pediatric patients across the Phase I and Phase II trials.
  • The incidence of nervous system adverse reactions was less in the pediatric population than that seen in adult patients with relapsed/refractory T-ALL/T-LBL [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] .
  • In a phase III study of nelarabine in combination with multi-agent chemotherapy as first-line therapy, there were 411 patients with T-ALL or T-LBL treated with nelarabine.
  • The safety profile in the 357 patients age 1 to 16 years was consistent with that seen in older patients in the study [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )].
  • Due to lack of long-term follow up data, a determination of the impact of nelarabine on the growth and pubertal development of pediatric patients cannot be made.

Quoted from the official label, section “Pediatric Use”.

Use in older people

  • Clinical studies of nelarabine did not include sufficient numbers of patients age 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients.
  • In an exploratory analysis, increasing age, especially age 65 years and older, appeared to be associated with increased rates of neurologic adverse reactions.
  • Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 )] .

Quoted from the official label, section “Geriatric Use”.

Side effects

  • The following clinically-significant adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label:
  • Neurologic [see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Hematologic [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Tumor Lysis Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] The most common (≥ 20%) adverse reactions were:
  • Adult :
  • anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, fatigue, pyrexia, cough, and dyspnea ( 6.1 ) Pediatric :
  • anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia ( 6.1 ) The most common (>10%) neurological adverse reactions were:
  • Adult :
  • somnolence, dizziness, peripheral neurologic disorders, hypoesthesia, headache, and paresthesia ( 6.1 ) Pediatric :
  • headache and peripheral neurologic disorders ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Sagent Pharmaceuticals at 1-866-625-1618 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
  • 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
  • Relapsed or Refractory T-ALL and T-LBL Nelarabine was studied in 459 patients in Phase I and Phase II clinical trials.
  • Adult Patient :
  • The safety profile of nelarabine is based on data from 103 adult patients treated with the recommended dose and schedule in 2 studies:
  • an adult T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL)/T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) trial and an adult chronic lymphocytic leukemia trial.
  • The most common adverse reactions in
  • adults were fatigue; gastrointestinal (GI) disorders (nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation); hematologic disorders (anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia); respiratory disorders (cough and dyspnea); nervous system disorders (somnolence and dizziness); and pyrexia.
  • The most common adverse reactions in
  • adults by Body System, including severe or life-threatening adverse reactions (NCI CTCAE Grade 3 or Grade 4) and fatal adverse reactions (Grade 5) are shown in Table 1 .
  • Table 1.
  • Most Commonly Reported (≥5% Overall) Adverse Reactions in Adult Patients Treated with 1,500 mg/m 2 of Nelarabine Administered Intravenously over 2 Hours on Days 1, 3, and 5 Repeated Every 21 Days Abbreviation:
  • AST, aspartate transaminase. a Five patients had a fatal adverse reaction.
  • Fatal adverse reactions included hypotension (n = 1), respiratory arrest (n = 1), pleural effusion/pneumothorax (n = 1), pneumonia (n = 1), and cerebral hemorrhage/coma/leukoencephalopathy (n = 1).
  • Body System Adverse Reaction Percentage of Patients (N = 103) Toxicity Grade Grade 3 % Grades 4 and 5 a % All Grades % Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders Anemia 20 14 99 Thrombocytopenia 37 22 86 Neutropenia 14 49 81 Febrile neutropenia 9 1 12 Cardiac Disorders Sinus tachycardia 1 0 8 Gastrointestinal Disorders Nausea 0 0 41 Diarrhea 1 0 22 Vomiting 1 0 22 Constipation 1 0 21 Abdominal pain 1 0 9 Stomatitis 1 0 8 Abdominal distension 0 0 6 General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions Fatigue 10 2 50 Pyrexia 5 0 23 Asthenia 0 1 17 Edema, peripheral 0 0 15 Edema 0 0 11 Pain 3 0 11 Rigors 0 0 8 Gait, abnormal 0 0 6 Chest pain 0 0 5 Noncardiac chest pain 0 1 5 Infections Infection 2 1 9 Pneumonia 4 1 8 Sinusitis 1 0 7 Hepatobiliary Disorders AST increased 1 1 6 Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders Anorexia 0 0 9 Dehydration 3 1 7 Hyperglycemia 1 0 6 Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders Myalgia 1 0 13 Arthralgia 1 0 9 Back pain 0 0 8 Muscular weakness 5 0 8 Pain in extremity 1 0 7 Nervous System Disorders (see Table 2 ) Psychiatric Disorders Confusional state 2 0 8 Insomnia 0 0 7 Depression 1 0 6 Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders Cough 0 0 25 Dyspnea 4 2 20 Pleural effusion 5 1 10 Epistaxis 0 0 8 Dyspnea, exertional 0 0 7 Wheezing 0 0 5 Vascular Disorders Petechiae 2 0 12 Hypotension 1 1 8 Other Adverse Reactions:
  • Blurred vision was also reported in 4% of adult patients.
  • There was a single report of biopsy-confirmed progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in the adult patient population.
  • Neurologic Adverse Reactions:
  • Nervous system adverse reactions, were reported for 76% of adult patients across the Phase I and Phase II trials.
  • The most common neurologic adverse reactions (≥ 2%) in adult patients including all grades (NCI CTCAE) are shown in Table 2 .
  • Table 2.
  • Neurologic Adverse Reactions (≥ 2%) in Adult Patients Treated With 1,500 mg/m 2 of Nelarabine Administered Intravenously Over 2 Hours on Days 1, 3, and 5 Repeated Every 21 Days One patient had a fatal neurologic adverse reaction, cerebral hemorrhage/coma/leukoencephalopathy.
  • Nervous System Disorders Adverse Reaction Percentage of Patients (N =103) Grade 1 % Grade 2 % Grade 3 % Grade 4 % All Grades % Somnolence 20 3 0 0 23 Dizziness 14 8 0 0 21 Peripheral neurologic disorders, any adverse reaction 8 12 2 0 21 Neuropathy 0 4 0 0 4 Peripheral neuropathy 2 2 1 0 5 Peripheral motor neuropathy 3 3 1 0 7 Peripheral sensory neuropathy 7 6 0 0 13 Hypoesthesia 5 10 2 0 17 Headache 11 3 1 0 15 Paresthesia 11 4 0 0 15 Ataxia 1 6 2 0 9 Depressed level of consciousness 4 1 0 1 6 Tremor 2 3 0 0 5 Amnesia 2 1 0 0 3 Dysgeusia 2 1 0 0 3 Balance disorder 1 1 0 0 2 Sensory loss 0 2 0 0 2 Most nervous system adverse reactions in the adult patients were evaluated as Grade 1 or 2.
  • The additional Grade 3 adverse reactions in adult patients, were aphasia, convulsion, hemiparesis, and loss of consciousness, each reported in 1 patient (1%).
  • The additional Grade 4 adverse reactions were cerebral hemorrhage, coma, intracranial hemorrhage, leukoencephalopathy, and metabolic encephalopathy, each reported in one patient (1%).
  • The other neurologic adverse reactions reported as Grade 1, 2, or unknown in adult patients were abnormal coordination, burning sensation, disturbance in attention, dysarthria, hyporeflexia, neuropathic pain, nystagmus, peroneal nerve palsy, sciatica, sensory disturbance, sinus headache, and speech disorder, each reported in one patient (1%).
  • Pediatric Patient :
  • The safety profile for children is based on data from 84 pediatric patients treated with the recommended dose and schedule in a T-ALL/T-LBL treatment trial.
  • The most common adverse reactions in pediatric patients were hematologic disorders (anemia, leukopenia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia).
  • Of the non-hematologic adverse reactions in pediatric patients, the most frequent adverse reactions reported were headache, increased transaminase levels, decreased blood potassium, decreased blood albumin, increased blood bilirubin, and vomiting.
  • The most common adverse reactions in pediatric patients by System Organ Class including severe or life threatening adverse reactions (NCI CTCAE Grade 3 or Grade 4) and fatal adverse reactions (Grade 5) are shown in Table 3 .
  • Table 3.
  • Most Commonly Reported (≥ 5% Overall) Adverse Reactions in Pediatric Patients Treated With 650 mg/m 2 of Nelarabine Administered Intravenously Over 1 Hour Daily for 5 Consecutive Days Repeated Every 21 Days a Three patients had a fatal adverse reaction.
  • Fatal adverse reactions included neutropenia and pyrexia (n = 1), status epilepticus/seizure (n = 1), and fungal pneumonia (n = 1).
  • Body System Adverse Reaction Percentage of Patients (N = 84) Toxicity Grade Grade 3 % Grade 4 and 5 a % All Grades % Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders Anemia 45 10 95 Neutropenia 17 62 94 Thrombocytopenia 27 32 88 Leukopenia 14 7 38 Hepatobiliary Disorders Transaminases increased 4 0 12 Blood albumin decreased 5 1 10 Blood bilirubin increased 7 2 10 Metabolic/Laboratory Blood potassium decreased 4 2 11 Blood calcium decreased 1 1 8 Blood creatinine increased 0 0 6 Blood glucose decreased 4 0 6 Blood magnesium decreased 2 0 6 Nervous System Disorders (see Table 4 ) Gastrointestinal Disorders Vomiting 0 0 10 General Disorders & Administration Site Conditions Asthenia 1 0 6 Infections & Infestations Infection 2 1 5 Neurologic Adverse Reactions:
  • Nervous system adverse reactions were reported for 42% of pediatric patients across the Phase I and Phase II trials.
  • The most common neurologic adverse reactions (≥ 2%) in pediatric patients including all grades (NCI CTCAE) are shown in Table 4 .
  • Table 4.
  • Neurologic Adverse Reactions (≥ 2%) in Pediatric Patients Treated With 650 mg/m 2 of Nelarabine Administered Intravenously Over 1 Hour Daily for 5 Consecutive Days Repeated Every 21 Days a One (1) patient had a fatal neurologic adverse reaction, status epilepticus.
  • Nervous System Disorders Adverse Reaction Percentage of Patients (N = 84) Grade 1 % Grade 2 % Grade 3 % Grade 4 and 5 a % All Grades % Headache 8 2 4 2 17 Peripheral neurologic disorders, any adverse reaction 1 4 7 0 12 Peripheral neuropathy 0 4 2 0 6 Peripheral motor neuropathy 1 0 2 0 4 Peripheral sensory neuropathy 0 0 6 0 6 Somnolence 1 4 1 1 7 Hypoesthesia 1 1 4 0 6 Seizures 0 0 0 6 6 Convulsions 0 0 0 3 4 Grand mal convulsions 0 0 0 1 1 Status epilepticus 0 0 0 1 1 Motor dysfunction 1 1 1 0 4 Nervous system disorder 1 2 0 0 4 Paresthesia 0 2 1 0 4 Tremor 1 2 0 0 4 Ataxia 1 0 1 0 2 The other Grade 3 neurologic adverse reaction in pediatric patients was hypertonia reported in 1 patient (1%).
  • The additional Grade 4 neurologic adverse reactions, were 3 rd nerve paralysis, and 6 th nerve paralysis, each reported in 1 patient (1%).
  • The other neurologic adverse reactions reported as Grade 1, 2, or unknown in pediatric patients were dysarthria, encephalopathy, hydrocephalus, hyporeflexia, lethargy, mental impairment, paralysis, and sensory loss, each reported in 1 patient (1%).
  • Nelarabine in Combination with Multi-Agent Chemotherapy in T-ALL and T-LBL Nelarabine was studied in combination with multi-agent chemotherapy in a randomized clinical trial [NCT00408005].
  • The safety population in this trial included 804 patients with newly-diagnosed T-ALL (85%) or T-LBL (15%) treated with (n = 411) or without (n =393) nelarabine in combination with the augmented Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster chemotherapy regimen (aBFM) after initial induction therapy.
  • Patients assigned to nelarabine received 650 mg/m 2 intravenously over 1 hour daily for 5 consecutive days, during consolidation days 1 to 5 and 43 to 47, delayed intensification days 29 to 33, and during the initial 3 courses of maintenance days 29 to 33.
  • The median age on enrollment was 9.5 years (range, 1-29), the majority of patients were male (73%) and white (69%).
  • Sixty-five percent of patients assigned to the nelarabine arms received at least 85% of the planned dose through the third course of maintenance therapy compared to 79% of patients on the control arms who received 3 courses of maintenance therapy.
  • There was one fatal neurological adverse reaction in the nelarabine arm.
  • The incidence of the following grades 3 and 4 adverse reactions were higher in the nelarabine treated arms compared to the control arms:
  • abnormal transaminases, motor and sensory neuropathy, nausea and vomiting, and dehydration.
  • The incidence of seizures of any grade was 3% (14 of 411).
  • Rhabdomyolysis was diagnosed in 2% (7 of 411) of nelarabine treated patients and occurred after the first course of nelarabine during the consolidation phase of therapy.
  • 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of nelarabine.
  • Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
  • Infections and Infestations : Fatal opportunistic infections.
  • Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders : Tumor lysis syndrome.
  • Nervous System Disorders :
  • Demyelination and ascending peripheral neuropathies similar in appearance to Guillain-Barré syndrome.
  • Musculoskeletal and Connective Disorders :
  • Rhabdomyolysis, blood creatine phosphokinase increased.

Quoted from the official label, section “Adverse Reactions”.

What to discuss with your doctor

  • Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling ( Patient Information ).
  • Hematologic Adverse Reactions Advise patients that leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, and neutropenia, including febrile neutropenia, have been associated with nelarabine.
  • Advise patients that complete blood counts, including platelets, will be monitored regularly during treatment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )].
  • Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Advise pregnant females of reproductive potential and males with female partners of reproductive potential of the potential risk to the fetus.
  • Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with nelarabine.
  • Instruct females to inform their physician of a known or suspected pregnancy.
  • Advise male patients with partners of reproductive potential to use condoms during treatment with nelarabine and for 3 months after the last dose [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 , 8.3 )].
  • Tumor Lysis Syndrome Advise patients of the risk of tumor lysis syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )].
  • Vaccinations Instruct patients not to receive live vaccines during treatment with nelarabine [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )].
  • Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines Patients receiving nelarabine may experience somnolence during and for several days after treatment.
  • Instruct patients to not drive or engage in hazardous occupations or activities until somnolence has resolved [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] .
  • Neurologic Adverse Reactions Instruct patients to contact their physician if they experience new or worsening symptoms of peripheral neuropathy [see Boxed Warning , Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] .
  • These signs and symptoms include:
  • tingling or numbness in fingers, hands, toes, or feet; difficulty with the fine motor coordination tasks such as buttoning clothing; unsteadiness while walking; weakness arising from a low chair; weakness in climbing stairs; increased tripping while walking over uneven surfaces.
  • Advise patients of the risk of seizures [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] .
  • If a seizure occurs, instruct patients to promptly notify the physician administering nelarabine.
  • Infection Instruct patients to promptly notify their physician if they develop fever or signs of infection while on therapy [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 , 6.2 )].
  • Lactation Advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with nelarabine [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.2 )].
  • SAGENT ® Mfd. for SAGENT Pharmaceuticals Schaumburg, IL 60195 (USA) Made in India ©2024 Sagent Pharmaceuticals May 2024 SAGENT Pharmaceuticals ®

Quoted from the official label, section “Patient Counseling Information”.

Strengths and forms

  • FORMS AND STRENGTHS Injection:
  • 250 mg per 50 mL (5 mg per mL) single-dose vial Injection:
  • 250 mg per 50 mL (5 mg per mL) single-dose vial ( 3 )

Quoted from the official label, section “Dosage Forms & Strengths”.

What it looks like and how it is packed

  • Nelarabine Injection is a clear, colorless, sterile solution in Type I, clear glass single-dose vials with a gray bromobutyl rubber stopper and an aluminum seal with a red snap-off cap.
  • Each vial contains 250 mg of nelarabine (5 mg nelarabine per mL) and the inactive ingredient sodium chloride (4.5 mg per mL) in 50 mL Water for Injection, USP.
  • It is supplied as follows:
  • NDC Nelarabine Injection (5 mg per mL) Package Factor 25021-259-50 250 mg per 50 mL Single-Dose Vial 1 vial per carton 25021-259-51 250 mg per 50 mL Single-Dose Vial 6 vials per carton Storage Conditions
  • Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] Discard unused portion.
  • Sterile, Nonpyrogenic, Preservative-free.
  • The container closure is not made with natural rubber latex.

Quoted from the official label, section “How Supplied”.

How to store it

  • Conditions
  • Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] Discard unused portion. Sterile, Nonpyrogenic, Preservative-free. The container closure is not made with natural rubber latex.

Quoted from the official label, section “Storage and Handling”.

What is in it

  • Nelarabine is a prodrug of the cytotoxic deoxyguanosine analogue, 9-β- D -arabinofuranosylguanine (ara-G).
  • The chemical name for nelarabine is 2-amino-9-β- D -arabinofuranosyl-6-methoxy-9 H -purine.
  • It has the molecular formula C 11 H 15 N 5 O 5 and a molecular weight of 297.27.
  • Nelarabine has the following structural formula:
  • Nelarabine is slightly soluble to soluble in water and melts with decomposition between 209°C and 217°C.
  • Nelarabine injection is supplied as a clear, colorless, sterile solution in glass single-dose vials.
  • Each vial contains 250 mg of nelarabine (5 mg nelarabine per mL) and the inactive ingredient sodium chloride (4.5 mg per mL) in 50 mL Water for Injection, USP.
  • Nelarabine is intended for intravenous infusion.
  • Hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide may have been used to adjust the pH.
  • The solution pH ranges from 5.0 to 7.0.
  • Structural Formula

Quoted from the official label, section “Description”.

Ingredients people check for

Lactose, gluten, dyes, sugars and other ingredients that matter with an allergy, intolerance or diet — as this product’s FDA label lists them.

This label’s list of inactive ingredients names none of: lactose, wheat or gluten, colour dyes, sugars, sugar alcohols, alcohol (ethanol), aspartame (phenylalanine), gelatin, peanut oil, soy, parabens, sulfites, titanium dioxide.

Quoted from the FDA label. A label that does not name an ingredient is not a guarantee that the product is free of it, and formulations change. With an allergy, check the pack and ask a pharmacist.

Same active substance, strength and form in other countries

Matched on active substance, strength and kind of form only. This is not a statement that the products are equivalent or interchangeable: other ingredients, release and approved uses can differ — ask a pharmacist before swapping.

Medicine passport: one printable page to show a pharmacist abroad

European UnionNo exact match for this strength and form

CanadaNo exact match for this strength and form

NetherlandsNo exact match for this strength and form

Details

Made bySagent Pharmaceuticals
Active substanceNelarabine
Used inCancer treatments and immune-system medicines
Strength5 mg/mL
FormInjection, Solution
RouteIntravenous
Packs1 VIAL in 1 CARTON / 50 mL in 1 VIAL · 6 VIAL in 1 CARTON / 50 mL in 1 VIAL
NDC25021-259

Source: NDC Directory · 2026-09-13 · not reviewed by a clinician

Source: US Food and Drug Administration, NDC Directory. Reuse terms: US government work (FDA).

Other strengths and forms

12 products are sold under this name. Grouped by form; a number on a strength means several companies make it.

Same active substance

These contain the same substance. That does not mean one can replace another — ask a pharmacist.