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HealthNotes

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Chlorambucil

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Warning

Chlorambucil treatment can be associated with serious side effects. Although chlorambucil is used to treat cancer, it may increase your risk of developing another form of cancer. Consult your doctor for more details. This medication can also decrease your bone marrow function, lowering your body's ability to fight an infection. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop unusual growths or lumps, swollen glands, signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent sore throat or cough), unusual or easy bruising/bleeding, or unusual fatigue.

Chlorambucil may damage chromosomes (genes) and cause birth defects. It may also possibly leave men and women unable to have children in the future (sterility).

Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor.

Precautions

Before taking chlorambucil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other chemotherapy drugs (e.g., busulfan, cyclophosphamide); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: seizures, head injury, gout, kidney stones, blood disorders (e.g., anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia), liver problems.

Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine.

Use caution with sharp objects like razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured.

Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections.

Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially possible infertility later in life. Children treated for a certain kidney disease (nephrotic syndrome) may be more at risk for seizures.

This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may cause harm to an unborn baby. Women of childbearing age and men should use reliable form(s) of birth control during treatment with this drug. Consult your doctor for more details.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Side Effects

See also Warnings section.

Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhea, and loss of appetite may occur. Changes in diet such as eating several small meals or limiting physical activity may help lessen the chance of nausea. In some cases, drug therapy may be necessary to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mouth sores, shaking/tremors, muscle problems (e.g., twitching, stiffness, weakness), unsteadiness, joint pain, lower back pain/side pain, frequent/painful urination, numbness/tingling of the hands or feet, swelling of the legs/feet, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, hallucinations), stopping of menstrual periods.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: seizures, trouble breathing, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin/eyes, dark urine, inability to move arms/legs.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

References

Copyright © 2013 Aisle7. All rights reserved. Aisle7.com

RxAnswers™ is a copyrighted combined product from Aisle7 and First DataBank, Inc.

Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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There are some limitations on the information provided in “Nutrient Interactions.” Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article. Please read the disclaimer.

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Aisle7 and/or its suppliers make no warranties or representations as to the accuracy or completeness of this content herein or that of any organization referred or linked to within this content and will not be liable for any damages arising out of your access to or use of any information found herein or that of any organization referred to within this content.

Information expires June 2014.

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