Health Center
CHLORAMBUCIL (Leukeran®) is a type of chemotherapy for treating cancer. Chlorambucil interferes with the way cancer cells
grow. Chlorambucil is used to treat cancers of the blood and certain other types of cancer. Generic chlorambucil tablets are not yet
available.
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
·bleeding problems
·blood disorders
·dental disease
·gout
·head injury
·infection (especially virus infection such as chickenpox or herpes)
·kidney disease
·recent radiation therapy
·seizures (convulsions)
·an unusual or allergic reaction to chlorambucil, other chemotherapy, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
·pregnant or trying to get pregnant
·breast-feeding
Take chlorambucil tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take
your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your
doctor or health care professional, even if the tablets make you feel unwell. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or
extra doses. If you are only taking one dose a day and miss a dose, do not take two doses on the next day.
·barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
·live virus vaccine
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines,
nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks
with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your
health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
·blood in the urine
·black tarry stools
·chest pain
·dark yellow or brown urine
·difficulty breathing, wheezing
·confusion, clumsiness
·fever or chills, cough or sore throat
·joint or muscle pains
·lower back pain
·mouth or throat sores
·pain or difficulty passing urine
·seizures (convulsions)
·skin rash, itching
·swollen feet or legs
·tingling, pain or numbness in the hands or feet
·tremors
·unusual bleeding or bruising, nose or gum bleeds, pinpoint red spots on the skin
·unusual tiredness or weakness
·vomiting
·yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are
bothersome):
·diarrhea
·missed menstrual periods
·nausea
·weight loss
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood checks. The side
effects of chlorambucil can continue after you finish your treatment; report side effects promptly.
Chlorambucil may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon because chlorambucil affects good cells as well as cancer
cells. Report any side effects as above, but continue your course of medicine even though you feel ill, unless your prescriber or
health care professional tells you to stop.
While you are taking chlorambucil you will be more susceptible to infection. Try to avoid people with colds, flu, and bronchitis. Do
not have any vaccinations without your prescriber's approval and avoid anyone who has recently had oral polio vaccine.
Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat. Do not treat yourself.
Chlorambucil can cause blood problems. This can mean slow healing and a risk of infection. Try to avoid cutting or injuring
yourself. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth
and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.
Drink several glasses of water a day. This will help to reduce possible kidney or gout problems.
Chlorambucil can change male sperm or female eggs. Talk to your prescriber or health care professional about how this medicine
can affect your ability to have normal babies.
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degreesC (59 and 77 degreesF). Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused
medicine after the expiration date.
NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you
have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.
[ Revised 1/1/95]
This information was obtained from Clinical Pharmacology 2000 . For more information about this drug or about any other drug, click here.