Leukeran

Common use

Leukeran is a medication used to treat several kinds of cancer and other conditions including Hodgkin's disease (a type of lymphoma), malignant lymphoma (including lymphosarcoma), clasmocytoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, giant follicular lymphoma, hairy cell leukemia (a sub-type of chronic lymphoid leukemia), myeloma, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, Waldenstr?m macroglobulinemia (lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma), Letterer-Siwe disease (genetically stipulated proliferation of histiocytes), chorionepithelioma of the uterus, glomerular nephritis, Beh?et disease (a form of vasculitis), dermatomyositis, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, uveitis, nephrotic syndrome. Leukeran's active substance is chlorambucil, a bifunctional alkylating agent.

Dosage and direction

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all instructions. The recommended initial dosage for short course of treatment is 0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg body weight (4-10 mg for an average patient) taken daily during 3-6 weeks. The daily dose may be taken as a single dose. In case of the sudden fall in th white blood count or bad tolerance by the patient the dosage should be carefully adjusted. Supporting course of treatment is administered individually.

Precautions

Carefulness should be exercised in the patients with inhibited bone marrow function (expressed as leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia, including ones associated with a malignant process and on the background of the previous radiotherapy or chemotherapy), severe liver disease and kidney failure, acute gastrointestinal disease, in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Blood cell count,leukocytes count, platelets count, and Hb examination should be performed at least once weekly.

Contraindications

Leukeran cannot be used in the patients with hypersensitivity to its components (including other alkylating agents).

Possible side effect

The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, changes in menstrual period. Contact your doctor immediately if you have following adverse reactions: painful or difficult urination, fever, chills, black, tarry or bloody stools, easy bruising or bleeding, blood in urine, swollen extremities, sores in mouth or on lips, small red spots on the skin, jaundice, cough, lower back or side pain, joint pain, abdominal pain, confusion, hallucinations, muscle twitching, agitation, trouble walking, weakness, paralysis.

Drug interaction

Inform your doctor about all prescribed and over-the-counter medications, herbal products and food supplements you use.

Missed dose

If you missed a dose take it as soon as you remember, but not if it is almost time of the next intake by your schedule. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time of your next dose. Do not try to compensate a missed dose by taking an extra one.

Overdose

If you suspect overdose inform your doctor immediately about it and seek immediate medical attention. Signs of overdose are agitation, seizures, loss of balance or coordination.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-77 F (15-25 C) away from light and moisture, kids and pets. Do not use after expiration term.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.