Chlorambucil

About chlorambucil

Chlorambucil can be used to treat a variety of different cancers. Cancer is caused by the division of cells in an uncontrolled way. Chlorambucil works by preventing the growth and division of cells and therefore stops them increasing in numbers.

Before taking chlorambucil

Before taking chlorambucil make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you are male or female and you and your partner are trying for a baby or intend to have children in the future.
• If you suffer from porphyria.
• If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
• If you ever had a fit or convulsion.
• If you are receiving or have recently received radiotherapy.

How to take chlorambucil

• Chlorambucil occasionally causes you to feel or be sick or to have diarrhoea. It is important to keep taking chlorambucil at regular dosage times even if you begin to feel unwell.
• If you are sick shortly after taking a dose, or you forget a dose, check with your doctor. You will be told whether to take the dose again, or wait until the next dose is due.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Important: You must avoid getting pregnant while taking chlorambucil. If you are male, you must not get a woman pregnant. Ask your doctor, hospital or pharmacist about suitable contraception.
• You must keep your regular appointments with the doctor or hospital so your progress can be checked. You may need to have regular blood tests during your treatment with chlorambucil.
• While you are taking chlorambucil, and for a while after you stop treatment, do not have any immunisations (vaccinations) without talking to your doctor first. chlorambucil lowers the body's resistance and there is a chance that you may get an infection from the vaccine.
• Important: if you experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), cystitis, a persistent cough, breathlessness or numbness/weakness of the muscles contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once.
• Important: if you notice any unexpected bleeding or bruising or feel more tired than usual contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once.
• Chlorambucil can lower the number of white cells in your blood, increasing the chance of getting an infection. You should take certain precautions to reduce the chance of infection. If possible avoid people with infections and check with your doctor if you think you have early symptoms of an infection, such as fever (high temperature) and a sore throat.

Can chlorambucil cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

How to store chlorambucil

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines