lomustine

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

What is lomustine?

Lomustine is used to treat brain tumors in people who have already received surgery or radiation.

Lomustine is also used with other cancer medicines to treat Hodgkin's disease, after other treatments have failed.

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

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

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• bone marrow suppression;
• liver disease;
• kidney disease; or
• lung disease or breathing problems.

Using lomustine may increase your risk of developing other types of cancer, such as leukemia. Ask your doctor about your specific risk.

• If you are a woman, do not use lomustine if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.
• If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3.5 months (14 weeks) after your last dose.
• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using lomustine.

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

How should I take lomustine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Lomustine is taken in a single dose once every 6 weeks. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Wear disposable rubber gloves when you handle a lomustine capsule. Throw the gloves away after one use.

Lomustine can weaken (suppress) your immune system. Serious and sometimes fatal infections may occur up to 6 weeks after you are treated with this medicine. You will need frequent medical tests.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose can cause stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dizziness, cough, shortness of breath, signs of infection, or liver problems.

What should I avoid while taking lomustine?

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

What are the possible side effects of lomustine?

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
• kidney problems --little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath;
• signs of infection --fever, chills, sore throat, blisters or ulcers in your mouth, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing; or
• late-onset lung damage --new or worsening cough, chest pain, shortness of breath (may develop as long as 6 months or later after you take lomustine).

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting;
• delayed infection;
• mouth sores; or
• hair loss.

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 lomustine?

Other drugs may affect lomustine, 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 lomustine.