What is Leukeran?
Leukeran can be used to treat a variety of cancers, including Hodgkin’s disease, certain types of leukaemia, and lymphoma.Leukeran can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Leukeran
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat, or a severe reaction to the skin (fever or sore throat with burning eyes, severe skin pain or blistering, or a red or purple rash), seek emergency medical attention.
Leukeran may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- A seizure;
- A lump or mass that is unusual
- Severe diarrhoea or nausea.
- The cough is new or getting worse.
- Bone marrow suppression--dizziness, pale lips or fingernail beds, rapid heart rate, easily tiring or shortness of breath may occur;
- Liver problems: loss of appetite; pain in the upper right corner of your stomach; dark urine; clay-coloured stools; jaundice (yellowing skin or eyes);
- Low blood cell counts can cause fever, chills, and fatigue, as well as mouth sores or skin sores. They may also result in easy bruising and unusual bleeding. Other symptoms include pale skin, cold feet and hands, and feeling lightheaded.
Leukeran side effects may include:
- Bone marrow suppression
- Low blood cell count
- Missed menstrual cycles
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- Sores or white patches around or in your mouth
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects and report it immediately; alternatively contact FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Imbruvica, Keytruda, Prednisone, Methotrexate, Dexamethasone, Decadron, and Rituximab
Warnings
Leukaemia increases your risk of bleeding and infection. If you notice unusual bleeding or bruising, or if there are new signs of infection such as fever, chills, or weakness, call your doctor.
Before you take this drug
If you have previously received Leukeran without success in treating your condition, you should not receive it.Leukeran may not be available if you have ever experienced an allergic reaction to a cancer drug, such as bendamustine (busulfan), carmustine (carmustine), dacarbazine (ifosfamide), lomustine (lomustine), mechlorethamine (melphalan), streptozocin, or temozolomide.
Notify your doctor of any of the following conditions:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- A seizure;
- A head injury or brain tumour
- If you've received radiation or chemotherapy within the last 4 weeks,
Leukaemia can increase your risk of developing other cancers. Speak to your doctor regarding your particular risk.Avoid using leukeran while pregnant. It may harm your unborn child or cause birth defects. While using Leukeran, use birth controls that are effective to prevent pregnancy.Both men and women may be affected by this medicine. Leukeran may harm an unborn child, so women should use birth control to avoid pregnancy.Breastfeeding women must not use this medicine.
How to take Leukeran?
Leukeran must be used under the supervision of a physician.Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose.Your doctor has given you precise directions on when and how much medicine to take. You must adhere to those directions precisely for maximum effect.Leukeran can be taken for 3 to 6 months. Always follow your doctor's directions!Leukaemia increases your risk of bleeding and infection. You will be required to undergo frequent medical testing. The results of your tests may delay cancer treatment.Leukeran tablets can be stored in the fridge.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Contact 1-800-222-1222 immediately in case of poisoning and seek immediate medical advice.Overdose symptoms include agitation and signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or weakness.
What should be avoided?
Avoid being around people who are sick.Should any signs or symptoms indicate an infection, notify your healthcare provider as soon as possible.Avoid any activity that could increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Take extra precautions to avoid bleeding when shaving or brushing your teeth.Avoid receiving a "live vaccine" while using Leukeran. It is possible that the vaccine will not protect you as well or at all. Live vaccines are available for measles (MMR), rubella, typhoid (Yellow Fever), varicella (chickenpox), zika (shingles), and influenza (nasal flu).
Interaction with other drug
Leukeran may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
