Chlorambucil (By mouth)
klor-AM-bue-sil
Treats cancer of the blood (leukemia) and lymph systems (lymphoma).
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Chlorambucil belongs to the group of medicines called alkylating agents. It is used to treat different types of cancer of the blood and lymph system, such as chronic lymphatic leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease, and other types of lymphoma.
Chlorambucil interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal cells may also be affected by this medicine, other effects may also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects may not be serious but may cause concern. Some effects may occur after treatment with chlorambucil has been stopped.
Before you begin treatment with chlorambucil, you and your doctor should talk about the benefits this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, chlorambucil is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:
Cancer of the lymph system that affects the skin.
Cancer of the ovaries.
Hairy cell leukemia (a cancer of the blood and bone marrow).
Histiocytosis X (a certain type of cancer found primarily in children).
Nephrotic syndrome (a kidney disease).
Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (a certain type of cancer of the blood).
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
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.
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
If you vomit after taking your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
Store this medicine in the refrigerator.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to chlorambucil or to similar cancer medicines, or if you are pregnant.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney or liver disease, bone marrow problems, a head injury, any type of infection, or a history of seizures.
Tell your doctor if you had any other chemotherapy or radiation therapy within the past 4 weeks.
This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.
This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach, yellow skin or eyes
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
Painful or difficult urination
Seizures or tremors
Sores, ulcers, or white patches on your lips or mouth
Uncontrollable muscle movements or twitching
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
Unusual lumps under your skin
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Changes in your menstrual periods
Confusion, agitation, or hallucination (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
Mild nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Mild skin rash
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Leukeran
There may be other brand names for this medicine.