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Leukeran Side Effects

Generic name: chlorambucil

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Jun 21, 2023.

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

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.

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