chlorambucil

What is the most important information I should know about chlorambucil?

What is chlorambucil?

Chlorambucil is used to treat several types of cancer, including Hodgkin's disease and certain types of leukemia or lymphoma.

Chlorambucil may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking chlorambucil?

You may not be able to receive chlorambucil if you've ever had an allergic reaction to another cancer drug such as bendamustine, busulfan, carmustine, dacarbazine, ifosfamide, lomustine, mechlorethamine, melphalan, streptozocin, or temozolomide.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• a seizure;
• a head injury or brain tumor; or
• if you have received radiation or chemotherapy within the past 4 weeks.

Taking chlorambucil may increase your risk of developing other types of cancer. Talk to your doctor about your specific risk.

This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in both men and women. However, women should still use birth control to prevent pregnancy because chlorambucil can harm an unborn baby.

How should I take chlorambucil?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Chlorambucil is usually taken for 3 to 6 weeks. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Chlorambucil can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. You will need frequent medical tests. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose symptoms may include agitation, fast heartbeats, skin rash, bruising, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, trouble breathing, or signs of infection (fever, chills, weakness).

What should I avoid while taking chlorambucil?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using chlorambucil. The vaccine may not work as well and may not fully protect you from disease. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.

What are the possible side effects of chlorambucil?

• a seizure;
• an unusual mass or lump;
• severe vomiting or diarrhea;
• new or worsening cough;
• bone marrow suppression --dizziness, pale lips or fingernail beds, fast heart rate, getting easily tired or short of breath;
• liver problems --loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• low blood cell counts --fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath.

Common side effects may include:

• bone marrow suppression;
• low blood cell counts;
• missed menstrual periods;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; or
• sores or white patches in or around your mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect chlorambucil?

Other drugs may affect chlorambucil, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about chlorambucil.