Uses
Chlorambucil is used treat a certain type of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL; a type of cancer of the white blood cells). Chlorambucil is also used to treat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin’s disease (types of cancer that begin in certain white blood cells that normally fight infection). Chlorambucil is in a class of medications called alkylating agents. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in your body.
Side Effects Of Chlorambucil
Chlorambucil may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea
- vomiting
- sores in the mouth and throat
- tiredness
- missed menstrual periods (in girls and women)
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- skin rash
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- black, tarry stools
- red urine
- cough
- sore throat
- congestion
- fever
- difficulty breathing
- seizures
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- dark-colored urine
- frequent urination
- unusual lumps or masses
Chlorambucil may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking chlorambucil:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to chlorambucil, other alkylating agents such as bendamustine (Treanda), busulfan (Myleran, Busulfex), carmustine (BiCNU, Gliadel Wafer), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), ifosfamide (Ifex), lomustine (CeeNU), melphalan (Alkeran), procarbazine (Mutalane), or temozolomide (Temodar), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in chlorambucil. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
- tell your doctor if you have taken chlorambucil before, but your cancer did not respond to the medication. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take chlorambucil.
- tell your doctor if you have received radiation therapy or other chemotherapy within the last 4 weeks.
- tell your doctor if you have ever had seizures or a head injury.
- tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
- do not have any vaccinations without talking to your doctor.
Chlorambucil Dosage
Chlorambucil comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day for 3 to 6 weeks, but sometimes may be taken intermittently, as a single dose once every 2 weeks, or as a single dose once a month. The length of treatment depends on the types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you have. Take chlorambucil at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take chlorambucil exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor may adjust your dose of chlorambucil depending on your response to treatment and any side effects that you experience. Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling during your treatment. Do not stop taking chlorambucil without talking to your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
