LEUKERAN

Drug Name: LEUKERAN

LEUKERAN DESCRIPTION:
CHLORAMBUCIL - ORAL (klor-AM-byou-sill)

COMMON LEUKERAN BRAND NAME(S):
Leukeran

LEUKERAN SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea, vomiting, changes in menstrual period, or itching are common side effects. Taking the medication on an empty stomach with a full glass of water may help relieve vomiting. Changes in diet such as eating several small meals or limited activity may help lessen some of these effects. In some cases, drug therapy may be necessary to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Contact your doctor, without delay, if you experience any of the following symptoms: fever, chills, painful or difficult urination, easy bruising or bleeding, black, tarry stools, blood in urine or stools, small red spots on the skin, joint pain, rash, swollen feet or lower legs, sores in mouth or on lips, yellow eyes or skin, cough, shortness of breath, lower back or side pain, stomach pain, trouble walking, muscle twitching, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, weakness, paralysis. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE LEUKERAN:
LEUKERAN: This is a potent medication. Take it exactly as prescribed. Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, drink plenty of fluids while taking LEUKERAN. This helps your kidneys to remove the drug from your body and avoid some of the side effects. Do not stop taking LEUKERAN, even if you feel nauseated or experience vomiting. If you vomit shortly after a dose, or if you miss a dose, contact your doctor.

LEUKERAN WARNING:
Chlorambucil can cause cancer or weaken your bone marrow. Bone marrow is where blood cells are made that protect you against infections/illness. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection (persistent sore throat or fever), easy bruising or bleeding, or unusual fatigue. Chlorambucil may damage chromosomes (genes); has left men and women sterile (inability to have children); and has caused birth defects.

LEUKERAN USES:
Chlorambucil is one of a group of drugs known as alkylating agents"; these drugs are also known as cancer drugs, chemotherapy, antineoplastics or "chemo". They are used in the treatment of various cancers to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. A combination of different types of cancer drugs will often be used to achieve better results and minimize side effects.

LEUKERAN PRECAUTIONS:
LEUKERAN can lower your body's ability to fight an infection. Notify your doctor if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, sore throat, rash, or chills. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine. Contraceptive (birth control) measures are recommended for use in men and women while taking LEUKERAN. LEUKERAN is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for details. It is not known if LEUKERAN passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you have a history of gout or kidney stones, or if you have ever had seizures or a head injury.

LEUKERAN OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include agitation, dizziness, and seizures.

LEUKERAN NOTES:
Avoid touching your eyes or inside your nose without first washing your hands. Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports in order to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured. Regular doctor visits are important. Frequent blood tests will be done to monitor therapy.

MISSED LEUKERAN DOSE:
Do not double dose if missed. Contact your doctor.

LEUKERAN STORAGE:
Refrigerate piggyback or infusion device. Warm to room temperature before infusing. Check expiration date. Store vial at room temperature away from sunlight. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.