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Gleostine

Generic name: lomustineLOE-mus-teen ]
Drug class: Alkylating agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 4, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Gleostine?

Gleostine is used to treat brain tumors in people who have already received surgery or radiation.

Gleostine is also used with other cancer medicines to treat Hodgkin's disease, after other treatments have failed.

Gleostine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Gleostine side effects

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

Gleostine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of Gleostine may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Gleostine can weaken (suppress) your immune system. Serious and sometimes fatal infections may occur up to 6 weeks after you are treated with Gleostine. Call your doctor if you have easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), or signs of infection (fever, chills, body aches).

Gleostine can have long lasting effects on your body. Your blood will need to be tested once per week for at least 6 weeks after each dose of this medicine.

Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Using Gleostine may increase your risk of developing other types of cancer, such as leukemia. Ask your doctor about your specific risk.

Gleostine can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using this medicine.

This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in both men and women. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because Gleostine can harm an unborn baby.

Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.

How should I take Gleostine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Gleostine is taken in a single dose once every 6 weeks. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Because an overdose of lomustine can be fatal, you will be given only enough of Gleostine to take one dose every 6 weeks. To get the correct dose, you may need to take 2 or more capsules that are different types and colors.

Wear disposable rubber gloves when you handle a Gleostine capsule. Throw the gloves away after one use.

Do not open the Gleostine capsule. Do not use a broken pill. The medicine from a broken pill can be dangerous if it gets on your skin. If this occurs, wash with soap and water. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to safely handle and dispose of a broken capsule.

Gleostine can weaken (suppress) your immune system. Serious and sometimes fatal infections may occur up to 6 weeks after you are treated with this medicine. You will need frequent medical tests.

Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed until you are ready to take the medicine.

Gleostine can have long lasting effects on your body. Your blood will need to be tested for at least 6 weeks after each dose of this medicine.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of Gleostine.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of lomustine can be fatal.

Overdose can cause stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dizziness, cough, shortness of breath, signs of infection, or liver problems.

What should I avoid while taking Gleostine?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

What other drugs will affect Gleostine?

Other drugs may affect Gleostine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.