$Unique_ID{BRK03075}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{chlorambucil}
$Subject{Leukeran Burroughs Wellcome Antineoplastic anticancer drug
chlorambucil alkylating agents cancers binding cancer cells}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


chlorambucil
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Leukeran (Burroughs Wellcome)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antineoplastic (anticancer drug)

INGREDIENT

     chlorambucil

DOSAGE FORM

     Tablets (2 mg)

STORAGE

     Chlorambucil should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed,
light-resistant container.

USES

     Chlorambucil belongs to a group of drugs known as alkylating agents.  It
is used to treat a variety of cancers.  Chlorambucil works by binding to the
rapidly growing cancer cells, preventing their multiplication and growth.

TREATMENT

     Chlorambucil can be taken either on an empty stomach or with food or milk
(as directed by your doctor).
     The timing of the doses of this medication is important.  Be sure you
completely understand your doctor's instructions on how this medication should
be taken.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Nausea, stomach upset, or vomiting.  These side effects may disappear as
your body adjusts to this medication.  It is important, however, to continue
taking this medication despite any nausea and vomiting that may occur.
     Chlorambucil can also cause hair loss, which is reversible when the
medication is stopped.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
chills, convulsions, difficulty in breathing, fever, itching, joint pain,
menstrual irregularities, mouth sores, skin rash, sore throat, unusual
bleeding or bruising, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Chlorambucil can increase the blood levels of uric acid, which can block
the effectiveness of antigout medications (allopurinol, probenecid,
sulfinpyrazone).
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any drugs, especially to chlorambucil or melphalan.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had blood disorders, chronic or recurrent
infections, gout, kidney stones, or seizures.
     * You should not receive any immunizations or vaccinations while taking
this medication.  Chlorambucil blocks the effectiveness of the vaccine and may
lead to overwhelming infection if a live-virus vaccine is administered.
     * While you are taking this medication, it is important that you drink
plenty of fluids to prevent the formation of uric acid kidney stones.
     * Chlorambucil can lower your platelet count, which can decrease your
body's ability to form blood clots.  You should, therefore, be especially
careful while brushing your teeth, flossing, or using toothpicks, razors, or
fingernail scissors.  Try to avoid falls and other injuries.  Before having
any surgery or other medical or dental treatment, be sure that your doctor or
dentist knows that you are taking this medication.
     * Chlorambucil can decrease fertility in both sexes.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Birth defects have
been reported in both animals and humans whose mothers received chlorambucil
during pregnancy.  The risks should be discussed with your doctor.  Also, tell
your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  It is not known whether or
not chlorambucil passes into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.