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Overview: Leukeran is used to treat certain types of cancer. It kills cancer cells by making them less able to create DNA. The most common side effect is bone marrow suppression. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Stop taking this medicine right away if you get a rash, and contact your health care provider. Also tell your health care provider right away if you get a fever, yellowing of your skin or eyes, easy bleeding or bruising, unusual weakness or tiredness, or unusual lumps.

Uses

What is Leukeran used for?

Leukeran (chlorambucil) is commonly used to treat the following types of cancer.

Leukeran may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Leukeran work (mechanism of action)?

Leukeran kills cancer cells by making them less able to create DNA.

How is Leukeran supplied (dosage forms)?

Leukeran is available as a 2 mg oral tablet that is taken by mouth.

How should I store Leukeran?

Leukeran should be stored in the refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Leukeran?

The most common side effect of Leukeran is bone marrow suppression (see below). Tell your health care provider if you have any symptoms of anemia, low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), low white blood cell levels (leukopenia), or low levels of a type of white blood cell called neutrophils (neutropenia).

There may be other side effects of Leukeran that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Leukeran?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Leukeran are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Leukeran may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Leukeran and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives, which can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Bone Marrow Suppression. Leukeran may cause your bone marrow to not make enough cells. This can lead to low blood levels of important cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and neutrophils. Bone marrow suppression can lead to infections or bleeding. This can be serious or even life-threatening. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of bone marrow suppression.

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Frequent infections
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Severe Skin Reactions. Leukeran can cause severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and erythema multiforme (EM), that can lead to death if not treated. If you get a rash, stop taking Leukeran and call your health care provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS, TEN, or EM.

  • Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat, red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, or genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes or dry, bloodshot eyes
  • Flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, and muscle aches
  • Red spots, wheals, or blisters on your hands, arms, face, neck, legs, or trunk
  • Joint pain
  • Vision changes

Seizures. Some people who have taken Leukeran have reported having seizures. There are many different types of seizures and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop taking Leukeran and call your health care provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.

  • Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
  • Stiffening of your arms and legs
  • Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Falling or losing consciousness

Cancer. Leukeran can cause a new cancer to form or cause a previously treated cancer to recur. Tell your health care provider about any new symptoms that you may get.

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Leukeran. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish (also called jaundice)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Leukeran?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Leukeran.

  • Chlorambucil
  • Leukeran
  • Any other medicine known as an alkylating agent
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Leukeran.

What should I know about Leukeran before using it?

Do not take Leukeran unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Leukeran with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Leukeran out of the reach of children. Since this medicine should be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

Always wear gloves and wash your hands before and after touching Leukeran. Do not touch this medicine, especially any tablets that are broken or crushed. For more details on how to safely handle or throw away Leukeran, talk to your health care provider.

Leukeran may make it hard for you to get pregnant or get your partner pregnant. If you may want children one day, talk to your health care provider.

If you can get pregnant, use effective birth control while taking Leukeran. Talk to your health care provider about your birth control options. This medicine may cause your periods to stop. If you miss a period, tell your health care provider right away. Leukeran can harm a fetus. See the Pregnancy section for more information.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Leukeran?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Leukeran is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Prior or future radiation therapy
  • Prior cancer and cancer treatments
  • Nephrotic syndrome
  • Seizures or epilepsy
  • Head trauma
  • Liver problems

Vaccines. Talk with your health care provider about any vaccines that you may need. You should not receive certain vaccines right before or while taking Leukeran. Tell your health care provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.

Pregnancy. Leukeran can harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider right away if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Leukeran passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should stop breastfeeding or stop Leukeran.

How can I get more information about Leukeran?

For more information about Leukeran, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at leukeranrx.com or call them at 800-689-0255.

Interactions

Does Leukeran interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Leukeran and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between Leukeran and alcohol, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight cancer.

Does Leukeran interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Leukeran and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Leukeran?

If you or someone else has used too much Leukeran, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Leukeran?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

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