Leukeran Side Effects
Generic name: chlorambucil
Note: This document contains side effect information about chlorambucil. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Leukeran.
Applies to chlorambucil: oral tablets.
Warning
- May severely suppress bone marrow function.107 (See Hematologic Effects under Cautions.)
- Known carcinogen.107 (See Carcinogenicity under Cautions.)
- May cause fetal harm.107 (See Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality under Cautions.)
- May cause male or female infertility.107 (See Fertility under Cautions.)
Side effects include:
Bone marrow suppression.
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to chlorambucil: compounding powder, oral tablet.
Hematologic
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
Frequently asked questions
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References
1. Rudd P, Fries JF, Epstein WV. Irreversible bone marrow failure with chlorambucil. J Rheumatol. 1975;2:421-9.
2. Product Information. Leukeran Tablets (chlorambucil). Glaxo Welcome, Research Triangle Pk, NC.
3. Williams SA, Makker SP, Grupe WE. Seizures: a significant side effect of chlorambucil therapy in children. J Pediatr. 1978;93:516-8.
4. Crestani B, Jaccard A, Israel-Biet D, Couderc LJ, Frija J, Clauvel JP. Chlorambucil-associated pneumonitis. Chest. 1994;105:634-6.
5. Giles FJ, Smith MP, Goldstone AH. Chlorambucil lung toxicity. Acta Haematol. 1990;83:156-8.
6. Patel SP, Nast CC, Adler SG. Chlorambucil-induced acute hepatic failure in a patient with membranous nephropathy. Am J Kidney Dis. 2000;36:401-4.
7. Palmer RG, Denman AM. Malignancies induced by chlorambucil. Cancer Treat Rev. 1984;11:121-9.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.