What is Mavenclad (cladribine) for?
Buy Mavenclad (cladribine). Mavenclad (cladribine) is a treatment for people with certain types of multiple sclerosis. It’s for those whose disease is very active.
The main ingredient, cladribine, is approved in many places. It’s used to treat certain cancers affecting lymphocytes.
How does Mavenclad (cladribine) work?
In MS, the immune system attacks the protective sheath around nerve cells. This damage stops neurons from communicating and can lead to their death.
Lymphocytes, a type of immune cell, play a big role in this damage.
Cladribine works by interfering with DNA production in lymphocytes. This causes the lymphocytes to die. This helps slow down the progression of MS.
Where has Mavenclad (cladribine) been approved?
Mavenclad (cladribine) has been approved for MS in several places:
- European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union, August 22, 2017
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia, July 17, 2017
- Health Canada on November 29, 2017
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA), US, March 29, 2019
- Medsafe, New Zealand, August 1, 2019
This medicine might also be approved in other places. If you have questions, contact our support team.
How is Mavenclad (cladribine) taken?
The usual dose is:
- A total of 3.5 mg/kg body weight over 2 years. It’s given in 2 treatment courses of 1.75 mg/kg each year.
- Each course has 2 treatment weeks. One is at the start of the first month, and the other at the start of the second month of each year.
- Each treatment week is 4 or 5 days. Patients get 10 mg or 20 mg (one or two tablets) daily, based on their weight.
- After the 2 treatment courses, no more treatment is needed for years 3 and 4. Starting treatment again after year 4 hasn’t been studied.
It’s important to take other oral medicines at least 3 hours apart from cladribine during its administration days.
For more details on Mavenclad (cladribine) dosage and how to take it, see the official prescribing information in our resources section.
Always talk to your doctor about the right dose for you.
Are there any known adverse reactions or side effects of Mavenclad (cladribine)?
Common adverse reactions
Common side effects include:
- herpes
- lymphopenia: low lymphocytes count
- neutropenia: decrease in neutrophil count
- rash
- alopecia.
Serious adverse reactions
The serious adverse reactions listed in the prescribing information include:
- lymphopenia: low lymphocytes count.
Use in a specific population
Mavenclad (cladribine) is very dangerous for a fetus. It’s not safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Women should not breastfeed during treatment and for a week after.
It’s also not good for people with a weak immune system. It can make it harder for the body to fight off infections and cancer. Patients with active cancer should not take it.