Leukeran Side Effects
Generic name: chlorambucil
Note: This document provides detailed information about Leukeran Side Effects associated with chlorambucil. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Leukeran.
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 Leukeran
Along with its needed effects, chlorambucil (the active ingredient contained in Leukeran) 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 Leukeran
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
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
References
1. Rudd P, Fries JF, Epstein WV (1975) "Irreversible bone marrow failure with chlorambucil." J Rheumatol, 2, p. 421-9
2. "Product Information. Leukeran Tablets (chlorambucil)." Glaxo Welcome, Research Triangle Pk, NC.
3. Williams SA, Makker SP, Grupe WE (1978) "Seizures: a significant side effect of chlorambucil therapy in children." J Pediatr, 93, p. 516-8
4. Crestani B, Jaccard A, Israel-Biet D, Couderc LJ, Frija J, Clauvel JP (1994) "Chlorambucil-associated pneumonitis." Chest, 105, p. 634-6
5. Giles FJ, Smith MP, Goldstone AH (1990) "Chlorambucil lung toxicity." Acta Haematol, 83, p. 156-8
6. Patel SP, Nast CC, Adler SG (2000) "Chlorambucil-induced acute hepatic failure in a patient with membranous nephropathy." Am J Kidney Dis, 36, p. 401-4
7. Palmer RG, Denman AM (1984) "Malignancies induced by chlorambucil." Cancer Treat Rev, 11, p. 121-9
Frequently asked questions
More about Leukeran (chlorambucil)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (3)
- Drug images
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: alkylating agents
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient resources
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
Further information
Leukeran 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.