What is chlorambucil?
Chlorambucil is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.
Chlorambucil is used to treat several types of cancer, including Hodgkin's disease and certain types of leukemia or lymphoma.
Chlorambucil may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about chlorambucil?
Do not use chlorambucil if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.
Taking chlorambucil may increase your risk of developing other types of cancer. Chlorambucil may also affect fertility (your ability to have children), whether you are a man or a woman. Ask your doctor about your individual risk.
Chlorambucil can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. Your blood may need to be tested often. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding injury. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with chlorambucil, and for at least 3 months after your treatment ends. The vaccine may not work as well during this time, and may not fully protect you from disease.
Stop taking chlorambucil and call your doctor at once if you have a seizure, red or peeling skin rash, severe nausea or stomach pain, jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes), fever, chills, sore throat, ongoing cough, flu symptoms, mouth sores, easy bruising or bleeding, or any unusual mass or lump.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking chlorambucil?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to chlorambucil, or if you have received this medication in the past without successful treatment of your condition.
To make sure you can safely take chlorambucil, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use chlorambucil if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
This medication may affect fertility (your ability to have children), whether you are a man or a woman.
It is not known whether chlorambucil passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while taking chlorambucil.
Taking chlorambucil may increase your risk of developing other types of cancer. Talk to your doctor about your specific risk.