Leukeran

Leukeran (Chlorambucil) is indicated in the treatment of certain types of cancer including leukemia and lymphoma. In some cases, Leukeran may be prescribed as a treatment for certain blood disorders or kidney problems. Chlorambucil is an alkylating agent. It works by slowing the growth of cancer cells.

Leukeran is packaged as a bottle of 25 tablets. Each tablet contains 2mg of Chlorambucil.

It is very important that you follow all dosing instructions provided by your doctor. The individual dosage prescribed is dependant on a number of factors including weight and treatment response.

Leukeran is an oral tablet. It should be taken by mouth.

The usual oral dosage is 0.1mg to 0.2 mg per kg of body weight, taken daily for 3 to 6 weeks as required. Recent thinking is that Chlorambucil is better taken in short courses, rather than continuous maintenance therapy.

The most common side effects of Chlorambucil are:

• bone marrow suppression (this can usually be reversed if treatment is stopped early enough)
• anemia
• leukopenia
• neutropenia
• thrombocytopenia
• pancytopenia

Other side effects you may experience include:

• gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomitting, diarrhea)
• tremors / muscle twitching
• myoclonia
• confusion
• agitation
• ataxia
• hallucinations
• allergic reactions
• pulmonary fibrosis
• hepatotoxicity and jaundice
• drug fever
• peripheral neuropathy
• interstitial pneumonia
• sterile cystitis
• infertility
• leukemia and secondary malignancies

If you notice any of the above side effects while taking Chlorambucil, contact your doctor immediately.

Chlorambucil is carcinogenic. It must only be given in chronic cases of lymphatic leukemia or malignant lymphomas. Convulsions, infertility, leukemia, and secondary malignancies have been observed when chlorambucil was used.

Chlorambucil has been shown to cause chromatid or chromosome damage in humans. Both reversible and permanent sterility have been observed in both sexes receiving chlorambucil.

Leukeran is classified as Pregnancy Category D. This means it can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Make sure you tell your doctor if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. In case of accidental pregnancy while taking Chlorambucil, contact your doctor as soon as you become aware of this.

It is not recommended to breast feed while taking Leukeran as it may be passed to the baby through the milk.

Leukeran can cause significant changes to blood parameters, particularly to lymphocytes and neocytes. In some cases this can lead to irreversible bone marrow damage.

Chlorambucil should not be taken until at least 4 weeks after chemotherapy or radiation.