Leukeran
Chlorambucil
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Leukeran
Leukeran is an alkylating agent and these alkylating agents are also known as cancer chemotherapy drugs, anti neoplastic drugs. They act by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. It binds to the RNA or DNA of certain cancer cells, which helps to slow down their growth and reproduction. A combination of anti cancer drug like Leukeran and other are used in the treatment of cancer to achieve better result and also to reduce side effects.
Therapeutic Uses of Leukeran
Leukeran is used in the treatment of certain type of cancers. It can also be used in some other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Direction of use of Leukeran
Leukeran is a very potent medicine and you should take it as directed by your doctor. Follow the directions strictly. Drink plenty of fluid while taking Leukeran, unless your doctor tells you not to drink much fluid. Drinking plenty of fluid helps the kidneys to remove the medicine from your body and reduce side effects. Do not stop the medication even if you feel nauseated or get vomiting.
If You Miss a Dose of Leukeran
If you miss a dose of Leukeran, take it as soon as you remember it. Do not take 2 doses of Leukeran if you miss one dose. You should consult your doctor if you miss more than one dose.
How to Store Leukeran
Leukeran should be store in a refrigerator at 2 to 8 degree Centigrade (36 to 46 degrees F). Do not allow your children to get access to the medicine.
More Information About Leukeran
After taking Leukeran, you should not touch your eyes or inside your nose without washing your hands properly. You should not injure yourself while taking Leukeran and use caution while handling sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities like contact sports in order to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured. Frequent blood tests should be done to monitor and for that regular visit to doctor is must.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Leukeran
Leukeran may itself cause cancer (though it is used for treatment of cancer) or make your bone marrow weak. Bone marrow is the place where blood cells are formed, which protects our body from infection and carries oxygen and has many more functions. You should inform your doctor immediately if you develop any signs of infection like (persistent sore throat, fever etc.), easy bruising or bleeding, or general and unusual weakness. It can cause birth defects, sterility etc. Leukeran may damage chromosomes (genes).
Possible Adverse Effects of Leukeran
- The common side effects of Leukeran are nausea, vomiting, changes in menstruation etc. Taking of the medicine on empty stomach with a glass of water, taking small meals several times a day, and limiting of activity may reduce nausea and vomiting. In many cases treatment is required for nausea and vomiting.
- Allergic reaction to Leukeran is very unlikely, but if you develop any of the signs and symptoms of allergic reaction, you should consult your doctor immediately. The signs and symptoms of allergic reactions are rash, itching, swelling (swelling of lips, mouth, face etc.), dizziness, trouble breathing etc.
- Consult your doctor immediately if you develop any symptoms like fever, chills, painful urination, difficulty in urination, easy bruising and/or bleeding, tarry stools, blood in urine, blood in stools, small red spots on the skin, joint pain, swollen feet or lower legs, sores in mouth and/or on lips, yellow eyes or skin, cough, lower back or side pain, stomach pain, trouble walking, muscle twitching, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, weakness, paralysis etc.
- If you develop any symptoms that are not included in the lists above, contact your doctor immediately.