Biobin contains cytarabine, a chemotherapy medicine used to treat certain types of blood cancers. It belongs to a group of medicines known as antimetabolites. Biobin is available as an injectable solution at a concentration of 1 milligram per 10 milliliters, and is usually given under close medical supervision in a hospital or cancer care setting. It works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells and is often used as part of combination chemotherapy regimens.

Mechanism of Action

Cytarabine works by mimicking a natural substance in the body called cytidine, which is essential for making DNA. Once inside the cancer cell, cytarabine is converted to its active form. It gets incorporated into the DNA of rapidly dividing cells and prevents them from multiplying. This disruption in DNA replication ultimately causes the cancer cells to die. Because it targets cells that divide quickly, it also affects some healthy cells, leading to side effects.

Uses

Biobin is primarily used in the treatment of:

• Acute myeloid leukemia

• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia

• Chronic myeloid leukemia in blast crisis

• Lymphomas including non-Hodgkin and meningeal involvement in cancer

  Adverse Effects

  Common side effects:

  • Fever and flu-like symptoms

  • Low blood counts leading to infections, bruising, or bleeding

  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

  • Mouth sores

  • Fatigue