Litak (Cladribine)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Litak Used For?
Litak contains cladribine, a chemotherapy medicine that helps stop the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells. It’s specifically designed to treat certain types of blood cancers.
Primary Uses
Litak is used to treat hairy cell leukaemia and lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (also known as Waldenström’s Macroglobulinaemia). These are types of blood cancers that affect white blood cells.
How It Works
Litak works by helping to stop the uncontrolled increase and abnormal growth of cancer cells. It belongs to a group of medicines called antineoplastic medicines or chemotherapy agents.
Prescription Only: Litak is only available on a doctor’s prescription and should only be given by qualified doctors experienced in cancer chemotherapy.
How to Take Litak
Litak is given as an injection by a doctor or nurse in a hospital setting. You will not give this medicine to yourself.
Dosage Instructions
For Hairy Cell Leukaemia: Subcutaneous injection – 0.14 mg per kg of body weight daily for 5 consecutive days, OR Intravenous infusion – 0.10 mg per kg of body weight daily for 7 consecutive days. For Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma: Subcutaneous injection – 0.10 mg per kg of body weight daily for 5 consecutive days at monthly intervals. Your doctor will determine the exact dose based on your condition and weight.
Professional Administration Only: Litak must only be administered by a doctor or nurse. It requires special handling precautions as it is a cytotoxic agent.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Fatigue, headache, dizziness
- Decreased appetite, weakness, chills
- Feeling sick, upset stomach
- Vomiting, stomach pain, flatulence
- Constipation, diarrhoea
- Painful joints, muscle or bone pain
- Sleeplessness, anxiety
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Serious bacterial infection of the blood (blood poisoning)
- Allergic reactions
- Bleeding, bruising more easily than normal
- Signs of infection (fever, severe chills, sore throat, cough, mouth ulcers)
- Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
- Yellowing of skin and/or eyes
- Numbness and tingling of hands and feet
- Unexplained changes in behavior or mental/emotional states
- Neurological changes (eye and speech problems, walking difficulties)
- Swelling in hands, ankles or feet
- Chest pain, fast heart rate, palpitations
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings you need to know before receiving Litak treatment.
Who Should Not Take Litak
Do not use Litak if you are allergic to cladribine or any ingredients in the medicine, have kidney or liver disease, are using other chemotherapy drugs, or are under 18 years old. Safety in children has not been established.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies, infections, kidney disease, liver disease, or fever. Any existing infections will need to be treated before starting Litak. You will need regular blood tests and liver/kidney function monitoring during treatment.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not receive Litak if you are pregnant as it may harm your developing baby. Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine. You must use adequate contraception during therapy and for at least six months after treatment ends.
Infection Risk: Litak can increase your chance of getting infections. Avoid people who have infections and contact your doctor immediately if you develop fever, chills, or other signs of infection.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Litak and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
Live Vaccines: Do not take vaccines prepared from live microorganisms or functional viruses as they may increase your risk of infections.
- Live vaccines (avoid completely as they may increase infection risk)
- Medicines that interfere with blood cell production in bone marrow
- Corticosteroids (medicines used to reduce inflammation or suppress immune system)
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful with activities that require alertness as Litak may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Litak affects you. This medicine may cause dizziness, tiredness, and drowsiness in some people. If you have any of these symptoms, do not drive, operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous.
Storage
Keep Litak in its original packaging until it is time to use it. Store between 2°C and 8°C. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills as heat and dampness can destroy the medicine. Keep it where young children cannot reach it – a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is recommended.
Overdose Information
Since Litak is given in hospital under medical supervision, overdose is unlikely. However, if you experience any side effects after receiving Litak, immediately tell your doctor or nurse, phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia telephone 13 11 26), or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Treatment length varies by condition. For hairy cell leukaemia, it’s typically a single course over 5-7 consecutive days. For lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, it’s given for 5 consecutive days at monthly intervals. Your doctor will decide the exact duration based on your specific situation.
Yes, you will have regular blood tests before and during treatment to check if it’s safe to continue. Your liver and kidney function will also be monitored throughout treatment.
Avoid people who have infections, check with your doctor immediately if you think you’re getting an infection, be careful when using toothbrushes or sharp objects, and avoid contact sports where you might get injured.
Do not take any other medicines while using Litak unless you have discussed this with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
You must not receive Litak if you are pregnant. You need to use adequate contraception during therapy and for at least six months after treatment ends. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment.
Because of the prolonged action of this drug on the body, some side effects may occur after the treatment has been completed. Your doctor will continue to monitor you even after treatment ends.
Litak is selective and kills mainly leukaemia cells, though it may temporarily weaken your blood before strengthening it. It belongs to a specific group of chemotherapy agents designed for blood cancers.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.