• Treatment of hairy-cell leukemia in patients with active disease.

Contraindicated in:

• Hypersensitivity to pentostatin or mannitol
• Concurrent use of fludarabine (↑ risk of potentially fatal pulmonary toxicity).

Use Cautiously in:

• Cardiovascular disease, seizures, or pre-existing renal, hepatic, or pulmonary disease or other chronic debilitating illness
• Patients with childbearing potential
• OB: Lactation: Pedi: Safety not established.

CNS: CNS toxicity, fatigue, headache, weakness.

EENT: epistaxis, keratoconjunctivitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, vision changes.

Resp: PULMONARY TOXICITY, bronchitis, dyspnea, pneumonia, cough, pulmonary edema.

CV: MI, angina pectoris, arrhythmias, thrombophlebitis.

GI: anorexia, diarrhea, hepatotoxicity, nausea, vomiting, constipation, flatulence, abdominal pain, stomatitis.

GU: renal toxicity.

Derm: itching, skin rash, dry skin.

Hemat: anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia.

MS: arthralgia, myalgia.

Misc: ALLERGIC REACTIONS INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS, fever, flu-like syndrome, weight loss.

Drug-Drug:

• Risk of fatal pulmonary toxicity ↑ by concurrent use of fludarabine.
• Effects of vidarabine↑ by pentostatin, which may result in increased toxicity of both agents.

(Generic available)

• Powder for injection: 10 mg/vial;

• IV (Adults): 4 mg/m² every other week.

Nipent

• Inhibits adenine deaminase (ADA), an enzyme that blocks the synthesis of DNA, especially in T cells of the lymphoid system.

• Decreased signs and symptoms of hairy-cell leukemia (recovery of hematologic parameters, organomegaly, and lymphadenopathy).

Therapeutic Classification: antineoplastics

Pharmacologic Classification: enzyme inhibitors

Absorption: IV administration results in complete bioavailability.

Distribution: Highest in the kidneys; minimal penetration into the CNS.

Metabolism/Excretion: 90% renally excreted.

Half-life: 6 hr (↑ in renal impairment).

(clinical response)

†Inhibition of adenine deaminase lasts for >1 wk after administration.

• Instruct patient to notify health care professional immediately if rash or signs of anaphylaxis develop.
• Instruct patient to notify health care professional promptly if fever; chills; cough; hoarseness; sore throat; signs of infection; lower back or side pain; painful or difficult urination; bleeding gums; bruising; petechiae; blood in stools, urine, or emesis; increased fatigue; dyspnea; or orthostatic hypotension occurs. Caution patient to avoid crowds and persons with known infections. Instruct patient to use soft toothbrush and electric razor and to avoid falls. Caution patient not to drink alcoholic beverages or take medication containing aspirin or NSAIDs; may precipitate gastric bleeding.
• Advise patient to use sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent photosensitivity reactions.
• Instruct patient not to receive any vaccinations without advice of health care professional.
• Emphasize need for periodic lab tests to monitor for side effects.

PEN-toe-sta-tin

NDC Code^*

• 0409- Hospira, Inc.
  • 0409-0801- Nipent
    • 0409-0801-01- 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 CARTON (0409-0801-01) > 5 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE