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Leukeran Side Effects

Generic name: chlorambucil

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

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.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests will be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.

If you plan to have children, talk with your doctor before using this medicine. Some men and women using this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children).

Serious skin reactions can occur with this medicine. Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin; red skin lesions; severe acne or skin rash; sores or ulcers on the skin; or fever or chills while you are using this medicine.

While you are being treated with chlorambucil (the active ingredient contained in Leukeran) and after you stop treatment with it, do not have any immunizations (vaccinations) without your doctor's approval. Chlorambucil may lower your body's resistance and there is a chance you might get the infection the immunization is meant to prevent. In addition, other persons living in your household should not take oral polio vaccine since there is a chance they could pass the polio virus on to you. Also, avoid persons who have taken oral polio vaccine within the last several months. Do not get close to them, and do not stay in the same room with them for very long. If you cannot take these precautions, you should consider wearing a protective face mask that covers the nose and mouth.

Chlorambucil can temporarily lower the number of white blood cells in your blood, increasing the chance of getting an infection. It can also lower the number of platelets, which are necessary for proper blood clotting. If this occurs, there are certain precautions you can take, especially when your blood count is low, to reduce the risk of infection or bleeding:

Check with your doctor right away if you have the following symptoms while taking this medicine: skin rash, fever, cough that won't go away, irregular monthly period, nausea or vomiting, seizures, unusual lumps, or yellow eyes or skin.

Make sure your doctor knows if you have had any other cancer treatments or radiation therapy within the past 4 weeks.

Cancer medicines can cause diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting in most people, sometimes even after receiving medicines to prevent it. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control these side effects.

Serious side effects of Leukeran

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 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

Nervous system

Dermatologic

Gastrointestinal

Respiratory

Hepatic

Genitourinary

Oncologic

Psychiatric

Musculoskeletal

Other

See also:

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

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.