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Cancer Treatment Information

Treatment Options > Chemotherapy > OncoLink Rx

Chlorambucil (Leukeran)

Hematology-Oncology Patient/Family Education Comittee
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Last Modified: November 1, 2001

Chlorambucil (klo am bu sil)
Other Name: Leukeran

How it is given:	Leukeran is taken by mouth in the form of a capsule. It can be given alone or with other drugs.
How it works:	Leukeran slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in your body.

Side Effects And Precautions

Let your doctor or nurse know if you have any allergies and what medications you are currently taking, both prescription and over the counter medications. This includes vitamins, herbs, nutritional supplements and any recreational drugs. A sk your doctor about drinking alcoholic beverages. Not everyone experiences side effects during chemotherapy and most side effects are temporary. The side effe cts that you may experience are:

Common Side Effects

Skin irritation.What to do: Call your doctor or nurse for instructions on what to use to relieve the pain or rash.

Decrease in the number of white blood cells (neutropenia).

Puts you at risk for infection.
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse for a fever of 100.4% F or greater. Avoid people with the flu or colds. When working in your yard, wear protective clothing including long pants and gloves. Do not handle pet waste. Keep all cuts or scratches clean. Shower or bath daily and refer to Chemotherapy and You (NCI, 1997) for mouth care. Do not cut cuticles or ingrown nails. You may wear nail polish but not fake nails. Ask your doctor or nurse before scheduling dental appointments or procedures. Ask your doctor or nurse before you or a family member has any vaccinations.

Decrease in red blood cells (anemia).

Causes loss of energy.
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse if you feel more tired than usual or short of breath while doing normal activities.

Decrease in platelets (thrombocytopenia).

Puts you at risk for bruising and bleeding.
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse if you notice any unusual bruising or bleeding. Do not floss or use toothpicks. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush or cotton swab. Ask your doctor or nurse before scheduling dental examinations or procedures. Use an electric razor to avoid cuts. Do not use medication containing aspirin or ibuprofen without asking your doctor or nurse.

Uncommon Side Effects

Nausea and vomiting.

What to do: Take your anti-nausea medications as prescribed. Try to drink 6-8 glasses of fluids a day. Avoid eating fatty foods, large meals, acidic foods (e.g. tomatoes, lemons, oranges, grapefruits) and spicy or hot foods when you feel nauseated. Call your doctor or nurse if you are unable to keep fluids down for more than 12 hours or if you feel lightheaded or dizzy at any time.

Diarrhea.

What to do: Call your doctor or nurse if you experience an increase in the number of stools, an increase in the volume of stool or if the stool becomes more liquid. Take the antidiarrheal medication your doctor prescribed. Increase your fluid intake by drinking more liquids than usual (e.g. sport drinks, broth, gelatin, popsicles, soups). Eat bland foods such as bananas, rice, unsweetened applesauce, toast, cereal, potatoes. If the diarrhea continues, contact your doctor or nurse again.

Lung changes.

May cause breathing problems especially after repeated treatments or with very high doses of the medication.
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse if you have shortness of breath, cough or difficulty breathing.

Sexual and reproductive changes. The menstrual cycle and sperm production may become irregular or stop permanently. Women may experience menopausal effects including hot flashes and vaginal dryness. The desire for sex may decrease during treatment. Exposure of an unborn child to this medication could cause birth defects.
What to do: Discuss with your doctor or nurse how these changes will affect you. You may want to ask about sperm banking, egg harvesting, menopausal symptoms, sexual or relationship problems. Effective birth control is necessary during treatment. Contact your doctor or nurse if you think you may be pregnant. Do not breast feed while on this medication.

Nervous system changes.

What to do:Call your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience headache, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, agitation or seizures.