Treats cancer of the blood (leukemia) and lymph systems
Brand Names:
Leukeran
Contraindications:
You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to chlorambucil or certain other cancer medicines, or if you are pregnant
Uses:
Tablet
Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
If a dose is missed:
If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Storage:
Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Make sure your doctor knows if you have had any other chemotherapy or radiation therapy within the past 4 weeks.
Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while you are receiving chlorambucil.
Warnings:
Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
If you plan to have children, talk with your doctor before using this medicine. Some men and women using this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children).
Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have or a history of seizures or head injury.
Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
Avoid people who are sick or have infections.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Cough or trouble breathing
Dark-colored urine or pale stools
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in the upper stomach
Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
