CeeNU (Lomustine Capsules) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Ceenu

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CeeNU

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CeeNU®
(lomustine) Capsule

WARNING

CeeNU (lomustine) should be administered under the supervision of a qualified physician experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Bone marrow suppression, notably thrombocytopenia and leukopenia, which may contribute to bleeding and overwhelming infections in an already compromised patient, is the most common and severe of the toxic effects of CeeNU (see WARNINGS and ADVERSE REACTIONS).

Since the major toxicity is delayed bone marrow suppression, blood counts should be monitored weekly for at least 6 weeks after a dose (see ADVERSE REACTIONS). At the recommended dosage, courses of CeeNU should not be given more frequently than every 6 weeks.

The bone marrow toxicity of CeeNU is cumulative and therefore dosage adjustment must be considered on the basis of nadir blood counts from prior dose (see dosage adjustment table under DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

DRUG DESCRIPTION

CeeNU® (lomustine) (CCNU) is one of the nitrosoureas used in the treatment of certain neoplastic diseases. It is 1-(2-chloro-ethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea. It is a yellow powder with the empirical formula of C₉H₁₆ClN₃O₂ and a molecular weight of 233.71. CeeNU is soluble in 10% ethanol (0.05 mg per mL) and in absolute alcohol (70 mg per mL). CeeNU is relatively insoluble in water ( < 0.05 mg per mL).

It is relatively un-ionized at a physiological pH.

Inactive ingredients in CeeNU Capsules are magnesium stearate and mannitol.

The structural formula is:

CeeNU® (lomustine) Structural Formula Illustration

CeeNU is available in 10 mg, 40 mg, and 100 mg capsules for oral administration.

What are the possible side effects of lomustine (Ceenu)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, easy bruising or bleeding;
wheezing, rapid breathing, feeling short of breath;
chest pain, dry cough, fever, feeling ill;
urinating less than usual or not at all;
confusion, mood changes, increased...

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What are the precautions when taking lomustine capsules (CeeNU)?

Before taking lomustine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; 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.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: current infection.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood disorder (e.g., anemia, clotting problem), kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease.

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

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Last reviewed on RxList: 6/16/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.