Cytarabine is part of the group of drugs known as antimetabolites. It is used to treat some types of cancers of the blood. It might also be used to treat other types of cancer, as determined by your doctor.

Cytarabine intermeddles with the growth of cancer cells, which are ultimately destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells might also be affected by cytarabine, other effects will also happen. Some of these might be severe and should be reported to your doctor.

Other effects, like hair loss, may not be severe but may cause concern. Some effects may not happen for months or years after the medicine is used. Before you start treatment with cytarabine, you and your doctor should talk about the good this medicine will do and the risks of using it.

Cytarabine should only be given by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.