Chemo Drugs

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Pentostatin (Nipent)

What Does It Look Like?

Clear liquid

How Is It Given?

Intravenous (vein)

Why Am I Taking It?

Pentostatin stops cancer cells growth and is used to treat hairy cell leukemia and other kinds of cancers.

What Side Effects May Occur?

You may experience some, all, or none of those listed. Most side effects do not last long. Tell the doctor or nurse about any that you notice. The information here does not include all possible side effects; others may occur. Please report any problems to your doctor.

Skin Changes

• May occasionally cause a skin rash or dry skin.
• Let your doctor or nurse know if you develop a rash.
• If this drug leaks under the skin when it is being given to you, it can cause severe skin burns and blistering. Your nurse will be checking the area very closely while the drug is being given. Let your nurse know if you notice any itching, burning or tingling where the drug is being infused into your vein.
• Hair loss is rare with pentostatin, but if it occurs it will grow back once pentostatin treatment is completed.

Mouth Sores

• May develop mouth sores. Inspect your mouth daily.
• Rinse your mouth after meals and at bedtime with a mild salt-water solution.
• Call the doctor if you notice any sores or bleeding.
• Keep loose dentures out of your mouth if you have sores.
• Brush your teeth using a soft bristled toothbrush. Do not floss if you are having bleeding of your gums.
• Use a non oil-based lip balm to keep your lips moist, especially in cold, dry temperatures.

Low Blood Counts

• A drop in blood cell counts: red cells, white blood cells and platelets occurs about 7-14 days after treatment.
• Tell your doctor about any signs of bleeding or infection. Avoid situations where you might be exposed to people with infections.
• Your blood will be drawn occasionally to check your blood counts.

Nausea, Vomiting, Appetite Loss

• Usually mild on the day the drug is given and for a few days afterwards. Medications will be available to control these symptoms if they occur. It is best to take them when nausea is still mild.
• Drink plenty of fluids after therapy (2-3 quarts/day).

Nervous System

• Headache, fatigue, trouble sleeping, depression or irritability may occur.

Eye Irritation

• You may develop sensitivity to bright light or redness of your eyes. Wearing sunglasses will help with the sensitivity. Your doctor may prescribe eye drops to help with the redness.

Special Notes

• Changes in your menstrual cycle or sperm count may occur. Discuss birth control measures with your doctor as it is not advisable to conceive or to father children while taking this drug.
• Let your doctor know if you have had recent exposure to chicken pox or if you have gout, heart disease, kidney stones, shingles or liver disease before you begin therapy with pentostatin.
• You may have small amounts of alcohol while you are on this medication. Talk with your doctor or nurse if you would like to do this.
• Do not have any immunizations or vaccines while you are taking pentostatin or after you stop without your doctor's okay. Avoid anyone who has recently received a polio vaccine.
• Always make sure that your doctor and nurse have a complete and accurate list of all of the medicines, vitamins and herbal preparations that you are taking. It is possible to have drug interactions between pentostatin and other medicines.