What is Lomustine?
Lomustine can be used to treat brain tumours in patients who have received radiation or surgery.After other treatments fail, lomustine can be used in combination with other cancer medications to treat Hodgkin disease.Lomustine can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Lomustine
Seek immediate medical care if you have any of these symptoms: difficulty breathing, swelling in your face, lips, throat, or tongue.
Lomustine can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Jaundice
- Easy bruising or bleeding; purple or red pinpoints under the skin, nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum;
- Kidney problems: little or no urine, swelling of the feet or ankles, and feeling tired or breathless;
- Signs of infection: fever; sore throat; blisters or ulcers on your gums.
- Late-onset lung injury—new or worsening chest pain, shortness of breath may develop up to 6 months after taking lomustine.
Lomustine can cause the following side effects:
- Nausea, vomiting;
- The delayed infection
- Mouth sores;
- Hair loss.
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report adverse effects, you can contact the fda at 1-800-fda-1088.
Warnings
Lomustine may weaken your immune system. You may experience serious and even fatal infections up to six weeks after taking lomustine.Lomustine has a long-lasting effect on your body. You will need to test your blood every week for 6 weeks following each dose.
Before you take this drug
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Bone marrow suppression
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Lung disease or breathing problems
Lomustine can increase your risk of developing other cancers, including leukemia. Consult your doctor to determine your risk.
If either the mother or father are taking this medication, it can cause harm to an unborn child.
- Lomustine is not recommended for women who are pregnant. Use birth control during the time you take this medication and for 2 weeks following your last dose.
- Use effective birth control if you're a man and your partner can get pregnant. Continue to use birth control at least for 3.5 months (14 weeks) after the last dose.
- Inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using lomustine.
Both men and women may be affected by this medicine. It is still important to use birth control to avoid pregnancy, as lomustine may harm the unborn child.
Do not breastfeed for 2 weeks after taking this medication.
How to take Lomustine?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label.Lomustine should be taken as a single dosage every six weeks. Do not forget to follow your doctor's instructions.You may need to take two or more capsules of different colours and types to get the right dose.When handling a lomustine caplet, wear disposable rubber gloves. After one use, throw the gloves out.Open the capsule of lomustine. Use a whole pill. A broken pill's medicine can be harmful if it touches your skin. Wash with soap and warm water if this happens. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor how to safely dispose of and handle a broken capsule.Lomustine can suppress or weaken your immune system. Up to six weeks after treatment with this medication, you may experience serious and even fatal infections. You will be required to undergo frequent medical tests.Store away from heat or moisture at room temperature. Close the bottle until you're ready to use the medicine.Lomustine has a long-lasting effect on your body. You will need to test your blood for at least six weeks after taking this medication.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you missed a dose, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. Lomustine overdoses can be fatal.Overdose symptoms include nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain, dizziness, and coughing.
What should be avoided?
Avoid being around people who are sick. If you notice any signs of an infection, tell your doctor immediately.
Interaction with other drug
Lomustine may interact with 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.
