# Cladribine (Cladribine)

Source: https://ourhealthnetwork.com/drugs/cladribine
Data: FDA Orange Book and OpenFDA, refreshed periodically

## What is Cladribine?

Cladribine is a purine antimetabolite. It is prescribed to treat leukemia, hairy cell, lymphoma. Across the United States, 28 doctors prescribe Cladribine to approximately 118 Medicare patients.

## Brand names

Cladribine

## Indications

Cladribine is prescribed for several conditions including leukemia, hairy cell, lymphoma, among others.

## Conditions treated

- [Leukemia](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/leukemia)
- [Hairy Cell](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/hairy-cell)
- [Lymphoma](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/lymphoma)
- [Non-Hodgkin](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/non-hodgkin)
- [Multiple Sclerosis](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/multiple-sclerosis)
- [Leukemia](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/leukemia)
- [Lymphocytic](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/lymphocytic)
- [Chronic](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/chronic)
- [B-Cell](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/b-cell)

## Mechanism of action

The mechanism by which cladribine exerts its therapeutic effects in patients with multiple sclerosis has not been fully elucidated but is thought to involve cytotoxic effects on B and T lymphocytes through impairment of DNA synthesis, resulting in depletion of lymphocytes.

## Drug classification

- Established Pharmacologic Class: Purine Antimetabolite [EPC]
- Route of administration: ORAL

## Common side effects

headache, lymphopenia, upper respiratory tract infection

## Sources and disclaimers

- FDA Orange Book and OpenFDA dataset
- This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

## Related

- [All drugs](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/drugs)
- [Find specialists who prescribe this drug](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/find-doctors)
- [Methodology](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/methodology)