What is Chlorambucil?
Chlorambucil, an anti-cancer drug, is used to treat Hodgkin’s disease as well as certain types of lymphomas and leukemias. This medicine belongs to a class of drugs called alkylating agents that slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. This is a tablet you take with water.
Chlorambucil can be used to treat
- Hodgkin disease
- Chronic lymphatic leukaemia
- Malignant lymphomas, including lymphosarcoma,
- Giant follicular lymphoma.
This treatment does not cure the condition, but it may alleviate symptoms.
This medicine can be used to treat conditions that are not listed. If you have questions about the use of chlorambucil for other conditions, talk to your doctor.
Warnings
Chlorambucil may:
- This medicine can cause a decrease in blood cells. It is therefore important to have regular tests performed to determine if this medication has an effect on your blood cells.
- You should consult your doctor immediately if you notice unusual bleeding or bruising or if you experience new signs of infection such as fever, chills, or weakness.
- Cancer can increase the risk of other cancers.
- Affect fertility. This is the ability to get pregnant or father a baby. Women should avoid becoming pregnant during and after taking chlorambucil, as it can harm the fetus. For more information on chlorambucil during pregnancy, please see the page below.
- This medicine should not be taken while breastfeeding. For more information about breastfeeding and chlorambucil, please see the section below.
Similar/related drugs
Keytruda, prednisone, methotrexate, dexamethasone, decadron, rituximab, and fluorouracil
Before you take this drug
You shouldn't take chlorambucil when:
- You have an allergy to chlorambucil or any other inactive ingredient in the product. Below are the product ingredients.
- You've used chlorambucil before, and it wasn't effective.
Tell your doctor if an allergic reaction has occurred to any other cancer drugs, such as bentamustine, busulfan, carmustine, dacarbazine, ifosfamide, lomustine, mechlorethamine, melphalan, streptozocin, and temozolomide. You may be more likely to have an allergic reaction if you've had a reaction to any of these drugs.
Tell your physician immediately of any of the following symptoms:
- Kidney disease is a serious condition.
- Liver disease
- A seizure,
- A head injury or brain tumour,
- If you received radiation or chemotherapy in the last 4 weeks,
How to take Chorambucil?
Chlorambucil tablets are usually taken every day for three to six weeks, according to the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor. Some alternate treatment schedules can include pulse treatments that are given intermittently, biweekly, or once a month.You must be under the supervision of a physician while taking this medication. Follow the instructions of your doctor, and take the medication exactly as prescribed.Store your tablets in the fridge.
Details on dosage
The dose of chlorambucil you receive will depend on your weight, the condition for which you are receiving treatment, and whether this is an initial course or a shorter one.You may need to adjust your dosage or delay it depending on the results of blood tests and how you respond to the treatment.
What will happen if I forget to take a dose of medicine? If you are almost at the time when your next dose is due, skip the missed dose. Do not take more than one dose at the same time.What will happen if I take too much medicine? You should seek emergency medical care or call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 if you believe you have taken more than the recommended dose.Overdose symptoms include agitation (fast heartbeats), skin rash, bruising or bleeding gums, and nosebleeds. They may also be accompanied by signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or weakness.
What should be avoided?
Infection Risk: Avoid people who are sick or have infections. Your risk for infections could have increased. If you experience any signs of infection, such as a high temperature, chills, or weakness, call your doctor immediately.Risk of bruising or bleeding: Avoid sports or activities that increase the risk of injury or bleeding. Be extra cautious when shaving or cleaning teeth to avoid causing any bleeding.Vaccines: Do not use chlorambucil while receiving a live vaccine. Live vaccines are available for measles (chickenpox), rubella, typhoid (yellow fever), varicella, rotavirus (typhoid), yellow fever (yellow), zoster, and the nasal flu vaccine (influenza).
Side effects of Chlormabucil?
What are the negative side effects of chlorambucil that can be serious?
Allergic reactions:
If you show any of the following symptoms, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
- Allergy (swelling of the face, throat, or lips; hives; difficulty breathing)
- Or a severe reaction to the skin (fever, sore neck, burning eyes, skin pains, blistering, peeling skin, or red or purple rash).
Other serious side effects (bad):
Call your doctor immediately if:
- A seizure
- Any unusual lump or mass
- Severe diarrhoea or vomiting,
- A cough that is either new or getting worse
- Signs of bone marrow suppression, e.g., feeling dizzy or tired, rapid heart rate
- Signs of liver disease, e.g., low appetite, pain on the upper right side, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, yellowing skin or eyes,
- Signs of low blood counts include: high body temperature, fatigue, sores on the lips, skin, or mouth, easy bruising and bleeding, pale skin, numbness in your hands and feet, feeling dizzy, light-headed, or short of breath—all signs.
What are some of the side effects that chlorambucil can cause?
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea,
- White patches or sores around or in your mouth
- Bone marrow suppression is a treatment for the suppression of bone marrow.
- Low blood cell counts
- Women who miss their menstrual cycles.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; to report side effects call the FDA directly at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbal products, and vitamins, may also affect chlorambucil. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you will stop or start using.Click the link below to check for possible interactions between chlorambucil and other medications.
