Description
Mavenclad (cladribine) is an oral immunosuppressive medication indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), including relapsing-remitting disease and active secondary progressive disease, in adults. It is not recommended for patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) unless they are at high risk of developing MS. Mavenclad is a purine nucleoside analog that selectively targets lymphocytes, resulting in a reduction of T and B cell counts, which are thought to play a central role in the pathogenesis of MS. Its unique short-course dosing schedule allows for reduced treatment days across two annual courses, followed by no treatment in years three and four in many patients.
| Fact Table |
| Formula | C10H12ClN5O3 |
| License | US FDA, EMA |
| Bioavailability | ~40% |
| Legal status | Prescription only (Rx) |
| Chemical Name | 2-chloro-2'-deoxyadenosine |
| Elimination half-life | 5.4–19.7 hours |
| Dosage (Strength) | 10 mg tablets |
| Pregnancy | Contraindicated |
| Brands | Mavenclad |
| Protein binding | ~20% |
| PubChem CID | 2019 |
| MedlinePlus | a618022 |
| ChEBI | 3697 |
| ATC code | L01BB04 |
| DrugBank | DB00242 |
| KEGG | D00285 |
| Routes of administration | Oral, intravenous |
Directions
Mavenclad is administered orally in two annual treatment courses. Each course consists of two treatment weeks: one at the beginning of the first month and another at the beginning of the second month. The number of tablets per treatment week is based on the patient's body weight and should be calculated by a healthcare professional. Tablets should be taken with water and swallowed whole, without chewing or crushing, and should not be taken with food. Patients should wash their hands after handling the tablets and avoid contact with skin, eyes, or mucous membranes. Administration should be supervised to ensure adherence and proper monitoring.
Ingredients
Active Ingredient: Cladribine Inactive Ingredients: Hydroxypropylbetadex, sorbitol, magnesium stearate, colloidal anhydrous silica, and other standard pharmaceutical excipients. The film coating contains hypromellose, titanium dioxide, and macrogol.
Contraindications
Mavenclad is contraindicated in:
Patients with current malignancy.
Patients who are HIV-positive.
Patients with active chronic infections such as tuberculosis or hepatitis.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <60 mL/min).
Patients with a history of hypersensitivity to cladribine or any component of the formulation.
Cautions
Before initiating treatment, patients should undergo screening for latent infections, including tuberculosis and hepatitis B and C. Malignancy risk, particularly skin cancer, should be assessed prior to treatment. Female patients of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Male patients with partners of childbearing potential should also use effective contraception during this period. Vaccination with live or attenuated live vaccines is not recommended during and shortly after treatment. Periodic blood counts and liver function tests are recommended to monitor for potential cytopenias and hepatotoxicity.
Side Effects
Common and serious side effects may include:
Headache
Nausea
Upper respiratory tract infection
Lymphopenia
Herpes zoster reactivation
Rash
Fatigue
Elevated liver enzymes
Rare but serious side effects can include severe infections, malignancies, and autoimmune conditions. Patients should report any signs of infection or unusual symptoms immediately to their healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mavenclad (Cladribine)
What is Mavenclad?
Mavenclad is a prescription medication used to treat adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), including relapsing-remitting MS and active secondary progressive MS. It works by reducing the number of immune cells thought to be involved in the damage to nerve cells in MS.
How does Mavenclad work?
Mavenclad contains cladribine, which targets and reduces specific white blood cells (mainly B and T lymphocytes) that are believed to attack the protective coating of nerve fibers (myelin) in MS. By reducing these immune cells, it helps decrease inflammation and MS relapses.
How long do Mavenclad side effects last?
Most common side effects, such as headaches, nausea, or fatigue, are short-term and resolve in days to weeks. However, some side effects—like a lowered white blood cell count—may last several months and require regular monitoring. Rare but serious risks, like infections or potential malignancy, can have longer-term implications.
How long does Mavenclad stay in your system?
Cladribine itself has a short half-life and is cleared from the body within a few days, but its effects on the immune system can last for months. This is why dosing is limited to two short treatment courses over two years, with long-lasting benefits and effects.
How quickly does Mavenclad work?
Some patients notice fewer relapses within weeks to a few months, but full benefits—including reduced relapse rates and slowed disease progression—often become more apparent within the first year after treatment begins.
How to take Mavenclad?
Mavenclad is taken orally as tablets in two treatment courses over two years. Each course consists of two treatment weeks, one at the beginning of the first month and one at the beginning of the second month. Your doctor will calculate the exact dose based on your body weight.
Is Mavenclad a form of chemotherapy?
Technically, yes—cladribine was originally developed as a chemotherapy agent, but at much higher doses. In Mavenclad, it’s used at much lower doses specifically tailored for immune modulation in MS, not for cancer treatment.
Can Mavenclad cause hair loss?
Hair loss is not a common side effect of Mavenclad, unlike traditional chemotherapy. Some people might experience mild thinning, but this is rare and usually not permanent.
Do I need to avoid anything while on Mavenclad?
Yes. You should avoid live vaccines, and your doctor might recommend avoiding pregnancy, high-risk exposure to infections, and certain medications that affect the immune system during and after treatment. Sun protection is also advised due to a potential slight increase in skin cancer risk.
Is Mavenclad safe during pregnancy?
No. Mavenclad can harm an unborn baby. Women should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Men should also use contraception during treatment and for 6 months afterward due to possible effects on sperm.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Product Code : 13262
Prescription Required
