Chlorambucil Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Jun 21, 2024.

Applies to chlorambucil: oral tablet.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (tablet)

Chlorambucil can severely suppress bone marrow function.

It is a carcinogen in humans, and is probably mutagenic and teratogenic.

Chlorambucil produces human infertility.

Serious side effects of chlorambucil

Along with its needed effects, chlorambucil may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking chlorambucil:

More common side effects

• black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• blood in the urine or stools
• chest pain
• cough or hoarseness, accompanied by fever or chills
• fever or chills
• lower back or side pain, accompanied by fever or chills
• painful or difficult urination, accompanied by fever or chills
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• shortness of breath
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• swollen glands
• troubled breathing with exertion
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common side effects

• itching
• joint pain
• large, swollen hives
• skin rash
• swelling of the feet or lower legs

Rare side effects

• blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• diarrhea
• muscle pain
• muscle twitching
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• red, irritated eyes
• seizures
• shakiness and unsteady walk
• shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
• sore throat
• sudden jerky movements of the body
• unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination

Incidence not known

• abdominal or stomach pain or tenderness
• bone pain
• clay colored stools
• dark urine
• decreased appetite
• difficult breathing
• headache
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• loss of appetite
• trouble getting pregnant
• troubled or quick, shallow breathing
• yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects of chlorambucil

Some side effects of chlorambucil may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common side effects

• changes in menstrual period
• nausea and vomiting

Rare side effects

• anxiety
• confusion
• dry mouth
• hyperventilation
• irregular heartbeats
• irritability
• no muscle tone or movement
• restlessness
• seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
• trouble sleeping

Incidence not known

• hives or welts

For healthcare professionals

Applies to chlorambucil: compounding powder, oral tablet.

Hematologic adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, bone marrow suppression
• Common (1% to 10%): Anemia
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Irreversible bone marrow failure^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Convulsions in children with nephrotic syndrome
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Convulsions, partial and/or generalized in children and adults, ataxia, flaccid paresis
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Movement disorders (e.g., tremor, muscle twitching, myoclonus in the absence of convulsions, peripheral neuropathy^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis
• Frequency not reported: Urticaria, angioneurotic edema, skin hypersensitivity (including rare reports of skin rash progressing to erythema multiforme)^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth ulceration^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial pneumonia^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Hepatotoxicity, jaundice^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Sterile cystitis
• Frequency not reported: Amenorrhea, azoospermia, infertility^[Ref]

Oncologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Acute secondary hematologic malignancies (especially leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome), particularly after long term therapy^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Confusion, agitation, hallucinations^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Tremors, muscular twitching, myoclonia

Other

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Pyrexia

Further information

Chlorambucil side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer