Chlorambucil
Pronunciation: klor AM byoo sill
Brand Name: Leukeran
What is the most important information I should know about chlorambucil?
• Chlorambucil should only be prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
• Serious side effects have been reported with the use of chlorambucil including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection such as fever; chills, or sore throat); seizures; skin rash; yellowing of the skin or eyes; persistent cough; nausea or vomiting; missed menstrual periods, or unusual lumps or masses. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with chlorambucil and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the side effects listed.
• In some cases, secondary cancers have been reported to occur during and following treatment with chlorambucil. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication.
What is chlorambucil?
• Chlorambucil is a cancer (chemotherapeutic) medication. Chlorambucil interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
• Chlorambucil is used to treat several types of cancer, including chronic lymphatic leukemia (CLL) and malignant lymphomas including lymphosarcoma, giant follicular lymphoma, and Hodgkin's disease.
• Chlorambucil may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking chlorambucil?
• Before taking chlorambucil, tell your doctor if you have
· an infection or have had recent vaccinations;
· blood or bone marrow problems;
· liver disease;
· kidney disease; or
· a history of seizures or head trauma.
• You may not be able to take chlorambucil, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• Chlorambucil is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Chlorambucil has also caused temporary and permanent sterility in both women and men. Do not take chlorambucil if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Contraceptive measures are recommended during treatment with chlorambucil for both women and men. Before starting treatment, talk to your doctor about potential reproductive issues that may occur due to treatment with chlorambucil.
• It is not known whether chlorambucil passes into breast milk. Do not take chlorambucil without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take chlorambucil?
• Chlorambucil should only be prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
• Take chlorambucil exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with chlorambucil depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.
• Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with chlorambucil to monitor progress and side effects.
• Store chlorambucil in the refrigerator (36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit / 2 to 8 degrees Celsius).
What happens if I miss a dose?
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of a chlorambucil overdose include agitation, loss of coordination, seizures, decreased heart rate, watering mouth, blood in the urine, and decreased breathing.
What should I avoid while taking chlorambucil?
• Chlorambucil can lower the activity of the immune system making you more susceptible to infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. In addition, do not receive vaccines that contain a live strain of the virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) and avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live virus.
What are the possible side effects of chlorambucil?
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking chlorambucil and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
· black, bloody, or tarry stools;
· signs of infection such as fever; chills, or sore throat;
· extreme fatigue;
· unusual bleeding or bruising;
· changes in bone marrow function (detected by blood tests);
· seizures;
· a skin rash;
· jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
· a persistent cough;
· nausea and vomiting;
· missed menstrual periods; or
· unusual lumps or masses.
• Other, side effects may also occur. Continue to take chlorambucil and talk to your doctor if you experience
· diarrhea;
· mouth sores;
· tremor (shaking);
· muscle twitches;
· numbness or tingling;
· temporary or permanent sterility.
• In some cases, secondary cancers have been reported to occur during and following treatment with chlorambucil. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems or unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect chlorambucil?
• Do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment with chlorambucil. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous during treatment with chlorambucil.
• Other drugs may interact with chlorambucil. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, during treatment with chlorambucil.
Where can I get more information?
• Your pharmacist has more information about chlorambucil written for health professionals that you may read.
Brand Names:
• Leukeran
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
From WebMD