Celkeran Capsules are a medication used to treat certain types of leukaemia (cancer of the white blood cells) and lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system). The Celkeran capsules come in two strengths: 2mg and 5mg.
Each capsule contains the active ingredient cladribine, which is a type of chemotherapy (cancer-fighting medication). Cladribine works by interfering with the DNA of cancer cells, causing them to die.
Celkeran Capsules should be taken orally, usually once a day for 7 consecutive days, followed by a 7-day rest period. Treatment may be repeated every 28 days depending on the patient’s response and the severity of the disease.
This medication is only available with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider, it should be used under the supervision of a qualified doctor.
Patients should be fully informed of the side effects, precautions, and any interaction of the drug before starting the treatment. Some of the common side effects are tiredness, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and low blood cell counts.
As with all chemotherapy medications, Celkeran Capsules may cause harm to an unborn baby. Women should use effective birth control methods while taking this medication and should not breastfeed during treatment.
Celkeran Capsules are a powerful medication that can help fight cancer, but it’s important to use it carefully and only under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
USES OF CELKERAN TABLET
Celkeran Tablets are used to treat certain types of leukaemia (cancer of the white blood cells) and lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system). The active ingredient in Celkeran Tablets is cladribine, which is a type of chemotherapy (cancer-fighting medication).
Celkeran Capsules are used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells called lymphocytes. This medication is also used to treat hairy cell leukaemia (HCL), a rare type of leukaemia that affects the lymphocytes.
It is also used to treat other types of cancer such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and small lymphocytic lymphoma.
Celkeran Capsules are usually taken once a day for 7 consecutive days, followed by a 7-day rest period. Treatment may be repeated every 28 days depending on the patient’s response and the severity of the disease.
It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully when taking Celkeran Tablets. This medication should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, the patient should be fully informed of the side effects, precautions and any interaction of the drug before starting the treatment.
BENEFITS OF CELKERAN TABLET
Celkeran Capsules are a chemotherapy medication that can help to treat certain types of leukaemia and lymphoma. The active ingredient in the tablets, cladribine, works by interfering with the DNA of cancer cells, causing them to die.
There are several benefits to taking Celkeran Tablets for patients with leukaemia and lymphoma:
Effectiveness: Celkeran Capsules have been shown to be effective in treating chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and hairy cell leukaemia (HCL). It is also effective in treating Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and small lymphocytic lymphoma.
Convenience: Celkeran Capsules are taken once a day for 7 consecutive days, followed by a 7-day rest period. This dosing schedule is relatively easy to follow and can help patients to stick to their treatment regimen.
Fewer side effects: Celkeran Tablets have fewer side effects compared to other chemotherapy drugs. This allows patients to continue with their daily activities.
Targeted treatment: Cladribine attacks the cancer cells specifically and does not have harmful effects on the healthy cells, which helps to preserve the overall quality of life for patients.
May improve the response rate: Celkeran Tablets may increase the response rate, helping patients to go into remission.
It’s important to note that Celkeran Tablets should only be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional, and patients should be fully informed about the potential side effects, precautions and any interactions with other medications before starting treatment.
SIDE EFFECTS OF CELKERAN TABLET
Like all medications, Celkeran Tablets can cause side effects. However, not all patients who take the medication will experience side effects.
The most common side effects of Celkeran Tablets are:
Fatigue and weakness: Patients may feel tired or weak while taking Celkeran Tablets.
Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms may occur and can be managed by taking anti-nausea medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Hair loss: Hair loss may occur while taking Celkeran Tablets. This is usually temporary and hair will grow back after treatment is completed.
Low blood cell counts: Celkeran Tablets may lower the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in the body. This can lead to anaemia, increased risk of infection, and easy bruising or bleeding.
Allergic reactions: Some patients may experience an allergic reaction to Celkeran Tablets. Symptoms may include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Other side effects: Patients may also experience side effects such as diarrhoea, constipation, infection, fever and chills, headache, and sore mouth or throat.
It’s important to tell your healthcare provider if you experience any side effects while taking Celkeran Tablets. Some side effects can be managed with medications or other treatments, while others may require a change in your treatment plan.
HOW TO USE CELKERAN TABLET
Celkeran Tablets should be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. The recommended dosage and schedule for using the medication will vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer being treated, as well as the individual patient’s needs and response to treatment.
Here is a general guide for using Celkeran Tablets:
Take the tablets as directed by your healthcare provider. Celkeran Tablets are usually taken once a day for 7 consecutive days, followed by a 7-day rest period.
Take the tablets on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after a meal.
Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablets.
If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
Treatment cycles may be repeated every 28 days, depending on the patient’s response and the severity of the disease.
It’s important to keep regular appointments with your healthcare provider for monitoring the treatment progress and to report any side effects or problems.
It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully when using Celkeran Tablets and to tell your healthcare provider if you experience any side effects or have any other problems with the medication.
HOW CELKERAN TABLET WORKS
Celkeran Tablets contain the active ingredient cladribine, which is a chemotherapy medication used to treat certain types of leukaemia and lymphoma. Cladribine works by interfering with the DNA of cancer cells, causing them to die.
Cladribine specifically targets the cancer cells, specifically by targeting a key enzyme that is responsible for replicating the DNA of the cells, it blocks the DNA synthesis, causing the cancer cells to stop growing and die.
The medication is able to reach the cancer cells in several ways: by crossing the blood-brain barrier, entering the cerebrospinal fluid, and penetrating into the cancer cells.
The medicine is selectively taken up by the cancer cells, which is one of the reasons it has a relatively low level of side effects compared to other chemotherapy drugs.
It’s important to note that while Celkeran Tablets can help to kill cancer cells and slow the progression of leukaemia and lymphoma, they are not a cure for these diseases. Patients may need to continue treatment for an extended period of time to keep cancer under control and will need to be closely monitored by a healthcare professional.
FAQs
Q: Who should not take Celkeran Tablets?
A: Celkeran Tablets are contraindicated in patients who have a known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient, Cladribine or any of the excipients in the tablet. It is also contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding women and patients who have severe liver or kidney problems.
Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking Celkeran Tablets?
A: It is not recommended to consume alcohol while taking Celkeran Tablets. Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects and may interact with the medication, making it less effective. It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and to tell them about all medications and supplements you are taking, including over-the-counter products and alcohol.
Q: What should I do if I forget to take a dose of Celkeran Tablets?
A: If you forget to take a dose of Celkeran Tablets, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
Q: Can Celkeran Tablets be used with other medications?
A: Celkeran Tablets may interact with certain medications, including other cancer treatments, immunosuppressants, and blood thinners. It is important to tell your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking before starting treatment with Celkeran Tablets.
Q: Are there any long-term effects of taking Celkeran Tablets?
A: The long-term effects of taking Celkeran Tablets will depend on the individual patient and the duration of treatment. Some patients may experience long-term side effects such as low blood cell counts or decreased immunity. Your healthcare provider will monitor you closely during and after treatment to check for any long-term effects.
References
1- Chabner BA, Bertino J, Cleary J, et al. Cytotoxic Agents. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. p. 1684.
2- Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 243-44.
