Leukeran

Generic Name: chlorambucil (klor AM bue sil)

Brand Names: Leukeran

What is Leukeran (chlorambucil)?

Chlorambucil is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Chlorambucil is used to treat several types of cancer, including Hodgkin's disease and certain types of leukemia or lymphoma.

Chlorambucil may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Leukeran (chlorambucil)?

Do not use chlorambucil if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.

Taking chlorambucil may increase your risk of developing other types of cancer. Chlorambucil may also affect fertility (your ability to have children), whether you are a man or a woman. Ask your doctor about your individual risk.

Chlorambucil can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. Your blood may need to be tested often. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding injury. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with chlorambucil, and for at least 3 months after your treatment ends. The vaccine may not work as well during this time, and may not fully protect you from disease. Stop taking chlorambucil and call your doctor at once if you have a seizure, red or peeling skin rash, severe nausea or stomach pain, jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes), fever, chills, sore throat, ongoing cough, flu symptoms, mouth sores, easy bruising or bleeding, or any unusual mass or lump.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Leukeran (chlorambucil)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to chlorambucil, or if you have received this medication in the past without successful treatment of your condition.

To make sure you can safely take chlorambucil, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

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  kidney disease;

  
  


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  liver disease;

  
  


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  a history of seizures;

  
  


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  a history of head injury or brain tumor; or

  
  


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  if you have received radiation or chemotherapy within the past 4 weeks.

  
  

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use chlorambucil if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. This medication may affect fertility (your ability to have children), whether you are a man or a woman. It is not known whether chlorambucil passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while taking chlorambucil.

Taking chlorambucil may increase your risk of developing other types of cancer. Talk to your doctor about your specific risk.

How should I take Leukeran (chlorambucil)?

You must remain under the care of a doctor while you are using chlorambucil.

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Chlorambucil is usually taken for 3 to 6 weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Chlorambucil can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests. Visit your doctor regularly.

Store chlorambucil tablets in the refrigerator, do not freeze.

See also: Leukeran dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include agitation, loss of balance or coordination, or seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking Leukeran (chlorambucil)?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth. Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with chlorambucil, and for at least 3 months after your treatment ends. The vaccine may not work as well during this time, and may not fully protect you from disease. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), oral polio, rotavirus, typhoid, varicella (chickenpox), H1N1 influenza, and nasal flu vaccine.

Leukeran (chlorambucil) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking chlorambucil and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

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  seizure (convulsions);

  
  


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  fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat, ongoing cough;

  
  


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  pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;

  
  


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  easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;

  
  


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  fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;

  
  


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  nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

  
  


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  an unusual mass or lump;

  
  


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  chest discomfort, dry cough or hack;

  
  


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  feeling short of breath on exertion;

  
  


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  feeling weak or tired, loss of appetite, rapid weight loss;

  
  


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  severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; or

  
  


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  missed menstrual periods.

  
  

Less serious side effects:

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  mild nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;

  
  


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  tremors or shaking; or

  
  


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  numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Leukeran (chlorambucil)?

There may be other drugs that can interact with chlorambucil. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Leukeran resources

• Leukeran Side Effects (in more detail)
• Leukeran Dosage
• Leukeran Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Leukeran Drug Interactions
• Leukeran Support Group
• 2 Reviews for Leukeran - Add your own review/rating

• Leukeran Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Leukeran MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Leukeran Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Leukeran Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Chlorambucil Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Leukeran with other medications

• Cancer
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
• Hodgkin's Lymphoma
• Lymphoma

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about chlorambucil.

See also: Leukeran side effects (in more detail)