home > drugs a-z list > leukeran (chlorambucil) drug center > leukeran (chlorambucil) drug - consumer side effects and precautions

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.

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).

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.