Uses
Lomustine is used to treat certain types of brain tumors. Lomustine is also used with other medications to treat Hodgkin’s lymphoma (Hodgkin’s disease) that has not improved or that has worsened after treatment with other medications. Lomustine 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 Lomustine
Lomustine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- sores in the mouth and throat
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- pale skin
- fainting
- hair loss
- unsteady walk
- slurred speech
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the WARNING section, stop taking lomustine and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- difficulty breathing
- shortness of breath
- dry cough
- chest pain
- wheezing
- decreased urination;
- swelling of the face, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs.
- yellowing of eyes and skin
- confusion
- sudden change or loss of vision
- Lomustine may increase the risk that you will develop other cancers. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking lomustine.
Lomustine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking lomustine:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to lomustine, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in lomustine capsules. 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.
- you should know that lomustine may decrease fertility in men and women. However, you should not assume that you or your partner cannot become pregnant. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you are female, you should use birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment with lomustine and for at least 2 weeks after your final dose. If you are male, you and your female partner should use birth control during your treatment with lomustine and continue for 4 months after your final dose. If you or your partner become pregnant while taking lomustine, call your doctor. Lomustine may harm the fetus.
- tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. You should not breast-feed while taking lomustine and for 2 weeks after your final dose.
Lomustine Dosage
Lomustine comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once every 6 weeks on an empty stomach. Your full dose may contain two or more different types and colors of capsules. You will receive only enough capsules for one dose. Take all of the capsules given to you in the prescription bottle at the same time. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take lomustine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
You should wear rubber or latex gloves when you handle the capsules so that your skin does not come into contact with the capsules. If the capsule contents touch your skin, wash the area well with soap and water right away.
Swallow the capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
Other
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.
