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	chlorambucil
	Trade Name(s): Leukeran
	Type of Drug: Chlorambucil belongs to the general group of chemotherapy drugs known as alkylating agents. It is used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
	How Drug Works: Chlorambucil stops the growth of cancer cells, causing the cells to die.
	How Drug Is Given: Chlorambucil is a pill that is given by mouth once a day for a short or long time depending upon the type of cancer being treated. Try to take the pill at about the same time every day. You may need to take an anti–nausea pill 1 hour before taking the medicine if you get sick to your stomach. Remember to drink lots of water during the day to keep your kidneys flushed out. The dose depends on the type of cancer being treated, your size, and your blood counts. Your doctor will check your blood counts frequently, and if your blood counts are low, you may need to stop the medicine for a while until they get higher. It is very important to take your medicine as directed and to keep all your appointments. Call your doctor or nurse if you have any questions. Keep the medicine in a tightly closed container away from heat and moisture and out of the reach of children and pets.
	How Should I Take This Drug? Take this drug exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or nurse to explain them to you. This drug can be given at different strengths depending on the type of cancer being treated. Dosage may vary depending on your weight and the type of cancer.
	Read the following information. If you do not understand it or if any of it causes you special concern, check with your doctor.
	Before taking this drug, tell your doctor: If you are trying to become pregnant, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. This drug may cause birth defects if either the male or female is taking it at the time of conception or during pregnancy. Men and women who are taking this drug need to use some kind of birth control. However, do not use oral contraceptives (“the pill”) without checking with your doctor. If you think you may want to have children in the future. Many chemotherapy drugs can cause sterility. If you have any of the following medical problems: chickenpox or exposure to chickenpox, gout, heart disease, congestive heart failure, shingles, kidney stones, liver disease, or other forms of cancer. If you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including vitamins and herbals.
	Should I avoid any other medications, foods, alcohol, and/or activities? Your prescription and nonprescription medications may interact with other drugs, causing a harmful effect. Certain foods or alcohol can also interact with drug products. Never begin taking a new medication, prescription or nonprescription, without asking your doctor or nurse if it will interact with alcohol, foods or other medications. Some drug products can cause drowsiness and may affect activities such as driving.
	Precautions: While you are being treated with chlorambucil, and after you stop treatment, do not have any immunizations (vaccinations) without your doctor’s okay. Try to avoid contact with people who have recently taken the oral polio vaccine. Check with your doctor about this. Chlorambucil can lower your blood counts (white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets). Your doctor will check your blood counts before and after each treatment to see its effect on your blood counts. Your doctor or nurse will give you specific instructions if your blood counts are low. Chlorambucil can lower your white blood cell count, especially 3 weeks after the drug is given. This can increase your risk of getting an infection. Report fever of 100.5°F or higher, or signs of infection such as pain in passing your urine, coughing, and bringing up sputum. Chlorambucil can lower your platelet count. This can increase your risk of bleeding. DO NOT take any aspirin or aspirin–containing medicines. Report unusual bruising or bleeding such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums when you brush your teeth, or black, tarry stools.
	Tell all the doctors, dentists, and pharmacists you visit that you are taking this drug. Most of the following side effects probably will not occur. Your doctor or nurse will want to discuss specific care instructions with you. They can help you understand these side effects and help you deal with them.
	Side Effects:
	More Common Side Effects: Decreased white blood cell count with increased risk of infection Decreased platelet count with increased risk of bleeding Stopping of menstrual periods in women Reduced sperm production in men Fetal changes if becoming pregnant while taking chlorambucil
	Less Common Side Effects: Loss of appetite Decreased weight
	Rare Side Efects: Nausea Vomiting Liver damage Scarring of lung tissue Visual disturbances Confusion Seizures
	Other side effects not listed above can also occur in some patients. Tell your doctor or nurse if you develop any problems.
	FDA Approval: This drug is approved for cancer treatment.
	Note: This information was adapted from the American Cancer Society's Consumers Guide to Cancer Drugs. Copyright © 2004, Jones and Bartlett Publishers. This information may not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions, is not intended as medical advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor who is familiar with your medical needs. For more information, contact your American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345.

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