Generic Leukeran

Chemical Name: CHLORAMBUCIL

Common uses

This medicine is an alkylating agent used to treat certain cancers. It is not a cure for any of these cancers.

Before using

Warning: use of this medicine may cause a decrease in the body's blood cells (bone marrow suppression). This blood cell decrease may make infection or bleeding more likely. This medicine should only be given under the supervision of an experienced doctor. New cancers or genetic changes may occur in patients using this medicine. Use of this medicine in pregnant women has been shown to cause fetal harm and may cause fertility problems or sterility in men and women. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.

Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Use of live vaccines is not recommended while you are using this medicine. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking cyclosporine. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including current infection; bone marrow suppression; certain blood disorders (porphyria); seizure disorder; a history of head trauma or injury; a history of radiation, chemotherapy, or cytotoxic therapy; allergies; pregnancy; or breast-feeding.

Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have used this medicine before and your cancer did not respond. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Drinking extra fluids while you are taking this medicine is recommended. Check with your doctor or nurse for instructions. Wash your hands after taking this medicine. Wash any areas (tables, counters) that might have come into contact with this medicine.

Store this medicine in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C). If you miss a dose of this medicine, contact your doctor immediately.

Cautions

Do not take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product or if you are allergic to similar medicines (alkylating agents). If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine or if a certain medicine is an alkylating agent, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

It may take months for this medicine to completely work. Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dose or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including regular blood counts, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are taking this medicine.

This medicine lowers your resistance to infection. To prevent infection, avoid contact with people who have colds or other infections. Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first. This medicine may reduce the number of blood cells needed for clotting. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations where bruising or injury may occur. Because this medicine may increase your risk of infection or bleeding, before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. If nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite occurs, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for ways to lessen these effects. If moderate to severe diarrhea occurs during or after treatment with this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not treat it with non-prescription (over-the-counter) medicines.

Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Check with your doctor before having immunizations (vaccinations) while you are using this medicine. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly or in children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine.

For women: if you are able to become pregnant, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the use of effective birth control while taking this medicine. This medicine has been shown to cause harm to the human fetus. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. It is unknown if this drug is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

Side effects that may occur while taking this medicine include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; sores in the mouth or on the lips; irregular or absent menstrual period; any unusual lumps/masses; or stomach pain. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience seizure; tremors or twitching of the muscles; confusion; agitation; hallucination; loss of coordination; yellowing of the skin or eyes; tingling or numbness of extremities (hands, arms, legs, feet), unusual bleeding or easy bruising; fever; chills; sore throat; congestion; persistent cough; unusual tiredness; reddened, blistered, or swollen skin; hives; shortness of breath; swelling of hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness.

An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include agitation, loss of coordination, and seizures.

Additional information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.