Leukeran

This page contains drug information on Leukeran.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Leukeran
the possible side effects of Leukeran
what happens if you miss a dose of Leukeran
what happens if you overdose with Leukeran
the most important information about Leukeran
how to use Leukeran
other drugs that may affect Leukeran
what to avoid while using Leukeran
 
Generic Name: leukeran (klor AM byoo sill)
Brand Names: Leukeran
 
What is the most important information I should know about leukeran?
 •  leukeran should only be prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
 •  Serious side effects have been reported with the use of leukeran including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing closing of the throat swelling of the lips, tongue, or face or hives) decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue easy bruising or bleeding black, bloody or tarry stools fever or chills or signs of infection such as fever chills, or sore throat) seizures skin rash yellowing of the skin or eyes persistent cough nausea or vomiting missed menstrual periods, or unusual lumps or masses. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with leukeran and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the side effects listed.
 •  In some cases, secondary cancers have been reported to occur during and following treatment with leukeran. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication.

What is leukeran?
 •  leukeran is a cancer (chemotherapeutic) medication. leukeran interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
 •  leukeran is used to treat several types of cancer, including chronic lymphatic leukemia (CLL) and malignant lymphomas including lymphosarcoma, giant follicular lymphoma, and Hodgkins disease.
 •  leukeran may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking leukeran?
 •  Before taking leukeran, tell your doctor if you have
      · an infection or have had recent vaccinations
      · blood or bone marrow problems
      · liver disease
      · kidney disease or
      · a history of seizures or head trauma.
 •  You may not be able to take leukeran, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
 •  leukeran is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. leukeran has also caused temporary and permanent sterility in both women and men. Do not take leukeran if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Contraceptive measures are recommended during treatment with leukeran for both women and men. Before starting treatment, talk to your doctor about potential reproductive issues that may occur due to treatment with leukeran.
 •  It is not known whether leukeran passes into breast milk. Do not take leukeran without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take leukeran?
 •  leukeran should only be prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
 •  Take leukeran exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
 •  Take each dose with a full glass of water.
 •  Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with leukeran depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.
 •  Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with leukeran to monitor progress and side effects.
 •  Store leukeran in the refrigerator (36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit/ 2 to 8 degrees Celsius).

What happens if I miss a dose?
 •  Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?
 •  Seek emergency medical attention.
 •  Symptoms of a leukeran overdose include agitation, loss of coordination, seizures, decreased heart rate, watering mouth, blood in the urine, and decreased breathing.

What should I avoid while taking leukeran?
 •  leukeran can lower the activity of the immune system making you more susceptible to infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. In addition, do not receive vaccines that contain a live strain of the virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) and avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live virus.

What are the possible side effects of leukeran?
 •  If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking leukeran and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
      · an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing closing of the throat swelling of the lips, tongue, or face or hives)
      · black, bloody, or tarry stools
      · signs of infection such as fever chills, or sore throat
      · extreme fatigue
      · unusual bleeding or bruising
      · changes in bone marrow function (detected by blood tests)
      · seizures
      · a skin rash
      · jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
      · a persistent cough
      · nausea and vomiting
      · missed menstrual periods or
      · unusual lumps or masses.
 •  Other, side effects may also occur. Continue to take leukeran and talk to your doctor if you experience
      · diarrhea
      · mouth sores
      · tremor (shaking)
      · muscle twitches
      · numbness or tingling
      · temporary or permanent sterility.
 •  In some cases, secondary cancers have been reported to occur during and following treatment with leukeran. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication.
 •  Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems or unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect leukeran?
 •  Do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment with leukeran. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous during treatment with leukeran.
 •  Other drugs may interact with leukeran. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, during treatment with leukeran.