Leukeran

Leukeran (Chlorambucil)

General information

Leukeran belongs to the group of medications known as antineoplastics. It contains chlorambucil. This medication works by preventing the growth of cancer cells by interfering with the genetic material DNA, which is necessary for reproduction of cells. Leukeran is used to treat certain types of cancer (leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease). This drug may also be used for certain blood diseases, certain types of kidney disease in children that have not responded to other treatment.

Directions

Take Leukeran exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take this medication by mouth. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication to prevent side effects. For chronic lymphocytic leukemia, the usual adult starting dose is 0.15 mg per kilogram body weight per day until the total white blood cell count reaches the desired range. 4 weeks after the first course of treatment, the medication may be restarted at a dose of 0.1 mg per kilogram body weight per day. For Hodgkin's disease, the usual dose is 0.2 mg per kilogram body weight per day for 4 to 8 weeks. For non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, the usual dose is 0.1 mg to 0.2 mg per kilogram body weight per day for 4 to 8 weeks initially.

Precautions

Before taking Leukeran you should talk with your doctor if you have seizures, head injury, gout, kidney stones, blood disorders (anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia). Avoid contact with people who have contagious infections. Do not have immunizations or vaccinations without the consent of your doctor.

Contraindications

Do not take Leukeran if you are allergic to chlorambucil or any ingredients of this medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have had a full course of radiation or chemotherapy within the previous 4 weeks.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have changes in menstrual period, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, muscle twitching, seizures, skin rash, tremors, unexpected bleeding, difficult urination, unusual tiredness, yellow eyes or skin, black or bloody stools, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, mouth, joint pain, pale skin, stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, sore throat, weakness, severe dizziness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: live vaccines (mumps, measles, yellow fever), natalizumab, phenylbutazone, pimecrolimus, roflumilast. Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are loss of balance, excitation, convulsions.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.