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mavenclad

Pharmaranks rates Mavenclad 3.5/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Mavenclad (Cladribine) is a purine antimetabolite used to treat Hairy Cell Leukemia, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Multiple Sclerosis, B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

Cladribine · by Emd Serono

70/100Limited · 1 source

Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 22, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass

Key facts

Active ingredient
Cladribine
Form
Tablet
Strength
Cladribine 10MG
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Brand-name
Manufacturer
Emd Serono
FDA application
NDA022561

What is Mavenclad?

From the FDA label:MAVENCLAD contains the nucleoside metabolic inhibitor cladribine, which is a white or almost white, non-hydroscopic, crystalline powder with the molecular formula C10H12ClN5O3 and molecular weight 285.69. It differs in structure from the naturally occurring nucleoside, deoxyadenosine, by the substitution of chlorine for hydrogen in the 2-position of the purine ring. The chemical name of cladribine is 2-chloro-2′-deoxy-adenosine. The structural formula is shown below: Cladribine is stable at slightly basic and at neutral pH. The main degradation pathway is hydrolysis and at acidic pH significant decomposition occurs with time. The ionization behavior of the molecule over the pH range 0 to 12 is characterized by a single pKa of approximately 1.21. MAVENCLAD is provided as 10 mg tablets for oral use. Each MAVENCLAD 10 mg tablet contains cladribine as an active ingredient and hydroxypropyl betadex, magnesium stearate, and sorbitol as inactive ingredients. Chemical Structure

How to use

Assessments are required prior to starting each MAVENCLAD treatment course. ( 2.1 ) Cumulative dosage of 3.5 mg/kg administered orally and divided into 2 treatment courses (1.75 mg/kg per treatment course). Each treatment course is divided into 2 treatment cycles. ( 2.2 ) MAVENCLAD is a cytotoxic drug. ( 2.4 ) Separate administration from any other oral drug by at least 3 hours. ( 2.4 ) 2.1 Assessments Prior to Starting Each MAVENCLAD Treatment Course Cancer Screening Follow standard cancer screening guidelines because of the risk of malignancies [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Pregnancy Exclude pregnancy prior to treatment with MAVENCLAD in females of reproductive potential [see Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.2) , and Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) ] . Complete Blood Count (CBC) Obtain a CBC with differential including lymphocyte count [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) and Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Lymphocytes must be: within normal limits before initiating the first treatment course at least 800 cells per microliter before initiating the second treatment course If necessary, delay the second treatment course for up to 6 months to allow for recovery of lymphocytes to at least 800 cells per microliter. If this recovery takes more than 6 months, the patient should not receive further treatment with MAVENCLAD.…

Side effects

The following serious adverse reactions and potential risks are discussed, or discussed in greater detail, in other sections of the labeling: Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Risk of Teratogenicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Lymphopenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Hematologic Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Graft-Versus-Host Disease With Blood Transfusion [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Liver Injury [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Cardiac Failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Most common adverse reactions (incidence > 20%) are upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and lymphopenia. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact EMD Serono at 1-800-283-8088 ext. 5563 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In the clinical trial program of cladribine in MS, 1,976 patients received cladribine for a total of 9,509 patient years. The mean time on study including follow-up was approximately…

FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)

Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label

Malignancies Treatment with MAVENCLAD may increase the risk of malignancy. MAVENCLAD is contraindicated in patients with current malignancy. In patients with prior malignancy or with increased risk of malignancy, evaluate the benefits and risks of the use of MAVENCLAD on an individual patient basis. Follow standard cancer screening guidelines in patients treated with MAVENCLAD [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Risk of Teratogenicity MAVENCLAD is contraindicated for use in pregnant women and in females and males of reproductive potential who do not plan to use effective contraception because of the potential for fetal harm. Malformations and embryolethality occurred in animals. Exclude pregnancy before the start of treatment with MAVENCLAD in females of reproductive potential. Advise females and males of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during MAVENCLAD dosing and for 6 months after the last dose in each treatment course for females, and 14 weeks for males. Stop MAVENCLAD if the patient becomes pregnant [see Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.2) , and Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) ] . WARNING: MALIGNANCIES and RISK OF TERATOGENICITY See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Malignancies MAVENCLAD may increase the risk of malignancy. MAVENCLAD is contraindicated in patients with current malignancy; evaluate the benefits and risks on an individual basis for patients with prior or increased risk of malignancy. ( 5.1 ) Risk of Teratogenicity MAVENCLAD is contraindicated for use in pregnant women and in women and men of reproductive potential who do not plan to use effective contraception because of the risk of fetal harm. ( 5.2 )

Warnings

Important safety information

Lymphopenia: Monitor lymphocyte counts before, during and after treatment. ( 5.3 ) Infections: Serious, including life-threatening and fatal infections, have occurred. Screen patients for active and latent infections; delay treatment until infection is fully resolved or controlled. Vaccination of patients seronegative to varicella zoster virus (VZV) is recommended prior to treatment. Vaccination of patients seropositive to VZV with zoster vaccine recombinant, adjuvanted, is recommended prior to or during treatment. Administer anti-herpes prophylaxis in patients with lymphocyte counts less than 200 cells per microliter. Monitor for infections. ( 5.4 ) Hematologic toxicity: Monitor complete blood count before, during and after treatment. ( 5.5 ) Graft-versus-host-disease with blood transfusion: Irradiation of cellular blood components is recommended. ( 5.6 ) Liver injury: Clinically significant liver injury has occurred. Obtain tests prior to treatment. Discontinue if clinically significant injury is suspected. ( 5.7 ) 5.1 Malignancies Treatment with MAVENCLAD may increase the risk of malignancy. In controlled and extension clinical studies worldwide, malignancies occurred more frequently in MAVENCLAD-treated patients [10 events in 3,754 patient-years (0.27 events per 100 patient-years)], compared to placebo patients [3 events in 2,275 patient-years (0.13 events per 100 patient-years)]. Malignancy cases in MAVENCLAD patients included metastatic pancreatic carcinoma, malignant melanoma (2 cases), ovarian cancer, compared to malignancy cases in placebo patients, all of which were curable by surgical resection [basal cell carcinoma, cervical carcinoma in situ (2 cases)]. The incidence of malignancies in United States MAVENCLAD clinical study patients was higher than the rest of the world [4 events in 189 patient-years (2.21 events per 100 patient-years) compared to 0 events in United States placebo patients]; however, the United States results were based on a limited amount of patient data. After the completion of 2 treatment courses, do not administer additional MAVENCLAD treatment during the next 2 years [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ]. In clinical studies, patients who received additional MAVENCLAD treatment within 2 years after the first 2 treatment courses had an increased incidence of malignancy [7 events in 790 patient-years (0.91 events per 100 patient-years) calculated from the start of cladribine treatment in Year 3]. The risk of malignancy with reinitiating MAVENCLAD more than 2 years after the completion of 2 treatment courses has not been studied. MAVENCLAD is contraindicated in patients with current malignancy. In patients with prior malignancy or with increased risk of malignancy, evaluate the benefits and risks of the use of MAVENCLAD on an individual patient basis. Follow standard cancer screening guidelines in patients treated with MAVENCLAD. 5.2 Risk of Teratogenicity MAVENCLAD may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Malformations and embryolethality occurred in animals [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ]. Advise women of the potential risk to a fetus during MAVENCLAD dosing and for 6 months after the last dose in each treatment course. In females of reproductive potential, pregnancy should be excluded before initiation of each treatment course of MAVENCLAD and prevented by the use of effective contraception during MAVENCLAD dosing and for at least 6 months after the last dose of each treatment course. Women who become pregnant during treatment with MAVENCLAD should discontinue treatment [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) ]. MAVENCLAD is contraindicated for use in pregnant women and in women and men of reproductive potential who do not plan to use effective contraception. 5.3 Lymphopenia MAVENCLAD causes a dose-dependent reduction in lymphocyte count. In clinical studies, 87% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients experienced lymphopenia. The lowest absolute lymphocyte counts occurred approximately 2 to 3 months after the start of each treatment course and were lower with each additional treatment course. In patients treated with a cumulative dose of MAVENCLAD 3.5 mg per kg over 2 courses as monotherapy, 26% and 1% had nadir absolute lymphocyte counts less than 500 and less than 200 cells per microliter, respectively. At the end of the second treatment course, 2% of clinical study patients had lymphocyte counts less than 500 cells per microliter; median time to recovery to at least 800 cells per microliter was approximately 28 weeks. Additive hematological adverse reactions may be expected if MAVENCLAD is administered prior to or concomitantly with other drugs that affect the hematological profile [see Drug Interactions (7.3) ]. The incidence of lymphopenia less than 500 cells per microliter was higher in patients who had used drugs to treat relapsing forms of MS prior to study entry (32.1%), compared to those with no prior use of these drugs (23.8%). Obtain complete blood count (CBC) with differential including lymphocyte count prior to, during, and after treatment with MAVENCLAD. See Dosage and Administration (2.1 , 2.5) and Warnings and Precautions (5.4) for timing of CBC measurements and additional instructions based on the patient's lymphocyte counts and clinical status (e.g., infections). 5.4 Infections Serious, including life-threatening or fatal, bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal infections have been reported in patients receiving MAVENCLAD. MAVENCLAD reduces the body's immune defense, and an increased risk of infections has been observed in patients receiving MAVENCLAD. Infections occurred in 49% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients compared to 44% of placebo patients in clinical studies; serious or severe infections occurred in 2.4% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients and 2.0% of placebo-treated patients. The most frequent serious infections in MAVENCLAD-treated patients included herpes zoster and pyelonephritis (see Herpes Virus Infections ). Fungal infections were observed, including cases of coccidioidomycosis. In the postmarketing setting, serious infections have been reported, including nocardiosis, varicella zoster, histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and toxoplasmosis. The majority of patients with these infections who had an available absolute lymphocyte count at the time of the event had concurrent lymphopenia, consistent with the mechanism of action of MAVENCLAD [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . HIV infection, active tuberculosis, and active hepatitis must be excluded before initiation of each treatment course of MAVENCLAD [see Contraindications (4) ]. Delay initiation of MAVENCLAD in patients with an acute infection until the infection is fully resolved or controlled. Initiation of MAVENCLAD in patients currently receiving immunosuppressive or myelosuppressive therapy is not recommended [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ]. Concomitant use of MAVENCLAD with these therapies could increase the risk of immunosuppression. Tuberculosis Three of 1,976 (0.2%) cladribine-treated patients in the clinical program developed tuberculosis. All three cases occurred in regions where tuberculosis is endemic. One case of tuberculosis was fatal, and two cases resolved with treatment. Perform tuberculosis screening prior to initiation of the first and second treatment course of MAVENCLAD. Latent tuberculosis infections may be activated with use of MAVENCLAD. In patients with tuberculosis infection, delay initiation of MAVENCLAD until the infection has been adequately treated. Hepatitis One clinical study patient died from fulminant hepatitis B infection. Perform screening for hepatitis B and C prior to initiation of the first and second treatment course of MAVENCLAD. Latent hepatitis infections may be activated with use of MAVENCLAD. Patients who are carriers of hepatitis B or C virus may be at risk of irreversible liver damage caused by virus reactivation. In patients with hepatitis infection, delay initiation…

Who should not take Mavenclad

MAVENCLAD is contraindicated: in patients with current malignancy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. in pregnant women and in females and males of reproductive potential who do not plan to use effective contraception during MAVENCLAD dosing and for 6 months after the last dose in each treatment course for females, and 14 weeks for males. May cause fetal harm [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) ] . in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV ) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. in patients with active chronic infections (e.g., hepatitis or tuberculosis) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to cladribine [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ]. in females intending to breastfeed on a MAVENCLAD treatment day and for 10 days after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2) ]. Patients with current malignancy. ( 4 ) Pregnant women, and females and males of reproductive potential who do not plan to use effective contraception during MAVENCLAD dosing and for 6 months after the last dose in each treatment course for females, and 14 weeks for males. ( 4 , 8.3 ) HIV infection. ( 4 ) Active chronic infections (e.g., hepatitis or tuberculosis). ( 4 ) History of hypersensitivity to cladribine. ( 4 , 5.8 ) Females intending to breastfeed on a MAVENCLAD treatment day and for 10 days after the last dose. ( 4 , 8.2 )

Overdose — what happens if you take too much

There is no experience with overdose of MAVENCLAD. Lymphopenia is known to be dose- dependent. Particularly close monitoring of hematological parameters is recommended in patients who have been exposed to an overdose of MAVENCLAD [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3 , 5.5) ]. There is no known specific antidote to an overdose of MAVENCLAD. Treatment consists of careful observation and initiation of appropriate supportive measures. Discontinuation of MAVENCLAD may need to be considered. Because of the rapid and extensive intracellular and tissue distribution, hemodialysis is unlikely to eliminate cladribine to a significant extent.

U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.

Interactions

Table 3 Drug Interactions with MAVENCLAD 7.1 Immunomodulatory, Immunosuppressive, or Myelosuppressive Drugs Clinical Impact Concomitant use of MAVENCLAD with immunomodulatory, immunosuppressive, or myelosuppressive drugs may increase the risk of adverse reactions because of the additive effects on the immune system [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . Prevention or Management Concomitant use with myelosuppressive or other immunosuppressive drugs is not recommended. Acute short- term therapy with corticosteroids can be administered. In patients who have previously been treated with immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive drugs, consider potential additive effect, the mode of action, and duration of effect of the other drugs prior to initiation of MAVENCLAD. 7.2 Interferon-Beta Clinical Impact Concomitant use of MAVENCLAD with interferon-beta did not change the exposure of cladribine to a clinically significant effect; however, lymphopenia risk may be increased [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. Prevention or Management Concomitant use is not recommended. 7.3 Hematotoxic Drugs Clinical Impact Concomitant use of MAVENCLAD with hematotoxic drugs may increase the risk of adverse reactions because of the additive hematological effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]. Prevention or Management Monitor hematological parameters. 7.4 Antiviral and Antiretroviral Drugs Clinical Impact Compounds that require intracellular phosphorylation to become active (e.g., lamivudine, zalcitabine, ribavirin, stavudine, and zidovudine) could interfere with the intracellular phosphorylation and activity of cladribine. Prevention or Management Avoid concomitant use . 7.5 Potent ENT, CNT and BCRP Transporter Inhibitors Clinical Impact Cladribine is a substrate of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), equilibrative nucleoside (ENT1), and concentrative nucleoside (CNT3) transport proteins. The bioavailability, intracellular distribution, and renal elimination of cladribine may be altered by potent ENT1, CNT3, and BCRP transporter inhibitors. Prevention or Management Avoid co-administration of potent ENT1, CNT3, or BCRP transporter inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, eltrombopag, curcumin, cyclosporine, dilazep, nifedipine, nimodipine, cilostazol, sulindac, dipyridamole, or reserpine) during the 4 to 5 day MAVENCLAD treatment cycles. If this is not possible, consider selection of alternative concomitant drugs with no or minimal ENT1, CNT3, or BCRP transporter inhibiting properties. If this is not possible, dose reduction to the minimum mandatory dose of drugs containing these compounds, separation in the timing of administration, and careful patient monitoring is recommended. 7.6 Potent BCRP and P-gp Transporter Inducers Clinical Impact Possible decrease in cladribine exposure if potent BCRP or P-gp transporter inducers are co-administered. Prevention or Management Consider a possible decrease in cladribine efficacy if potent BCRP (e.g., corticosteroids) or P-gp (e.g., rifampicin, St. John's Wort) transporter inducers are co-administered. Immunosuppressive drugs: Consider overlapping effects on immune system, when used sequentially. Concomitant use not recommended. ( 7.1 ) Hematotoxic drugs: Monitor patients for additive effects on the hematological profile. ( 7.3 ) Antiviral and antiretroviral drugs: Avoid concomitant use. ( 7.4 ) BCRP or ENT/CNT inhibitors: May alter bioavailability of cladribine. Avoid concomitant use. ( 7.5 )

Drug class

May treat (source: NIH RxClass)

Dosage forms

Tablet

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

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Frequently asked questions

What does Mavenclad treat?
Mavenclad (Cladribine) may be used to treat hairy cell leukemia, non-hodgkin lymphoma, multiple sclerosis, b-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
How is Mavenclad rated?
pharmaranks gives Mavenclad a composite score of 3.5 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
Is there a coupon or discount for Mavenclad?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Mavenclad. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Mavenclad?
Mavenclad is marketed by Emd Serono. You can see Emd Serono's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Mavenclad a brand-name or generic drug?
Mavenclad is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Cladribine.
Is Mavenclad available over the counter?
No. Mavenclad is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Mavenclad come in?
Mavenclad is currently marketed as tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
What class of drug is Mavenclad?
Mavenclad is classified as purine antimetabolite, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
Is Mavenclad FDA-registered?
Mavenclad is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA022561. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Has Mavenclad been recalled by the FDA?
Mavenclad has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
Is Mavenclad safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Mavenclad a recall-safety score of 70/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Mavenclad?
Mavenclad's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following serious adverse reactions and potential risks are discussed, or discussed in greater detail, in other sections of the labeling: Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Risk of Teratogenicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Lymphopenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

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mavenclad

70/100