chlorambucil

( klor-AM-byoo-sill )

Other Name(s): Leukeran®

Appearance: Small, brown film-coated tablet

chlorambucil patient.pdf

chlorambucil pour le patient.pdf

Medication Information Sheet

chlorambucil (klor-AM-byoo-sill)

This document provides general information about your medication. It does not replace the advice of your health care professional. Always discuss your therapy with your health care professional and refer to the package insert for more details.

Other Name: Leukeran®

Appearance:

Small, brown film-coated tablet

What is this medication for?

For treating some leukemias and lymphomas.

What should I do before I have this medication?

Tell your doctor if you have/had significant medical condition(s), especially if you have / had chicken pox (or recently been exposed to someone who has had chickenpox), shingles, gout or kidney stones or other kidney disease, liver disease, any head injury or infection, or if you have ever had any seizures, or have any allergies.
Chlorambucil may harm the unborn baby.
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding, pregnant or plan to become pregnant
People who have cancer are at a higher risk of developing other cancers or blood clots. Also, some cancer medications, such as chlorambucil, may increase these risks. You should discuss these with your doctor.

How will this medication affect sex, pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Do not use this drug if you are pregnant. If there is ANY chance that you or your partner may become pregnant, you and your partner together must:► Use 2 effective forms of birth control at the same time while taking this drug: Keep using birth control until 6 months after the last dose (general recommendation). Discuss with your healthcare team.
Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant.
Do not breastfeed while taking this drug.

Effects on Fertility: Probable

Effects on Fertility: Probable

How is this medication given?

Take it exactly as directed by your doctor.
Swallow whole pill with a glass of water on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after food or other medications.
Take the dose at about the same time each day.

DO NOT DOUBLE DOSE if you miss your regular dose; ask your doctor or pharmacist what to do.

What else do I need to know while on this medication?

This medication can interact with other medications and can result in the treatment not working as well or cause severe side effects.
Make sure your health care team knows about all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, herbals and supplements). Check with your health care team before starting or stopping any of them.
For mild aches and pain:
- You may take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) tablets. Ask your health care team about the right dose for you.
- Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), naproxen (Aleve®) or aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA), including low dose aspirin for heart conditions, may increase your chance of bleeding.
- Talk to your health care team before you start or stop these medications.
- If you feel unwell, take your temperature before taking any of these medications. They may hide a fever.
- Talk to your health care team or go to the closest emergency room right away if you have a fever. See the Fever pamphlet for more information.

Chlorambucil should not be used within 4 weeks of radiation or other chemotherapy.
Your doctor may tell you to drink extra fluids to keep your kidneys working well.

How should I safely store this medication?

Keep in the refrigerator, but do not freeze. Keep out of sight and reach of children and pets.
Do not throw out any unused medications at home. Bring them to your pharmacy to be thrown away safely.

Store in original packaging.

What are the side effects of this medication?

The following side effects are common or severe. You may not have all of the side effects. Other side effects may occur. If you have any unusual or bothersome symptoms, discuss with your doctor.

Side effects and what to do	When to contact doctor?
More Common Side Effects

Unusual bleeding or bruising

You may have black stools, cough up blood, blood in your urine, purple or red dots on your skin or bleeding that will not stop.

Fever, chills, infection

You have a fever if your temperature taken in your mouth (oral temperature) is:

38.3°C (100.9°F) or higher at any time OR
38.0°C (100.4°F) or higher for at least one hour.

While you are getting chemotherapy treatments:

Keep a digital thermometer at home and take your temperature if you feel hot or unwell (for example, chills).
Avoid taking medications that treat a fever before you take your temperature (for example, Tylenol®, acetaminophen, Advil® or ibuprofen) as they may hide a fever.
Do not eat or drink anything hot or cold right before taking your temperature.
Wash your hands often.
Check with your doctor before getting any vaccines, surgeries or visiting your dentist.

If you have a fever, talk to your health care team or go to the closest emergency room.
See our Neutropenia (Low white blood cell count) pamphlet for more information.