Chlorambucil
About Chlorambucil
Chlorambucil belongs to a class of cytotoxic drugs, also known as chemotherapeutic agents, primarily used to treat various cancer conditions such as Hodgkin's disease, certain forms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinaemia, advanced Ovarian adenocarcinoma and Breast cancer. Cancer is a genetic change in which the body's cells divide uncontrollably and spread into surrounding tissues.
Chlorambucil contains Chlorambucil, which works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in the body. Thus, it treats cancer efficiently.
Use Chlorambucil as directed by your doctor. It may cause side effects, such as a drop in the number of blood cells and platelets, feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting), sores in the mouth and throat, tiredness and missed menstrual periods (in girls and women). Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
Tell your doctor before prescribing Chlorambucil if you have a history of bleeding disorders, heart or liver problems, radiation treatment, or any infection. Many other medications can interact with or be impacted by Chlorambucil, so let your doctor know all your medications. This medicine has been shown to reduce the number of blood cells, making you more susceptible to infections. During treatment with this medication, you will need to have regular blood tests to assess your blood cells, as well as your kidney, liver, and heart function.
Do not take Chlorambucil if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to Chlorambucil or any of the other ingredients of this medicine. Chlorambucil may increase the risk of developing other cancers. Chlorambucil can disrupt a woman's natural menstrual cycle (period) and stop sperm production in men. It may induce permanent infertility (difficulty becoming pregnant); If you are pregnant, inform your doctor before starting this medication. It is not recommended for use in the first trimester of pregnancy. Effective birth control measures are advised for men and women while on treatment with this medicine. Call your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking Chlorambucil.
Uses of Chlorambucil
Medicinal Benefits
Chlorambucil is a cytotoxic medicine, also known as a chemotherapeutic agent, primarily used to treat various cancer conditions such as Hodgkin's disease, certain forms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinaemia, Advanced ovarian adenocarcinoma and breast cancer. Chlorambucil, present in Chlorambucil, works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in your body. Thus, it treats cancer efficiently.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Chlorambucil
- A drop in the number of blood cells and platelets
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Being sick (vomiting)
- Diarrhoea
- Mouth ulcers
- Hair loss
- Anaemia
- Convulsions (in children)
- Bone marrow suppression (bone marrow doesn't make enough blood cells and platelets)
Drug Warnings
Before taking Chlorambucil, inform your doctor about your medical history and ongoing therapies to rule out potential adverse effects or interactions. Always take Chlorambucil as prescribed by your doctor. It's crucial to take your medication as directed. The dosage of this medicine is based on your condition. Your doctor may adjust your dose during therapy based on the treatment results. The drug chlorambucil can reduce the number of blood cells in your bone marrow. Your doctor will request laboratory testing before, during, and after therapy to determine whether this drug affects your blood cells. Keep all lab appointments. Before taking Chlorambucil, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while on treatment with Chlorambucil, tell your doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Chlorambucil may interact with vaccines (e.g. BCG vaccine, mumps virus vaccine, influenza virus vaccine), cancer medications (e.g. adalimumab), schizophrenia medications (e.g. clozapine), medicines used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (e.g. Deucravacitinib), medications used to treat Multiple Sclerosis (e.g. cladribine), medicines used to manage and treat autoimmune conditions (e.g. etanercept), immunomodulating drugs (e.g. fingolimod), antirheumatic drug (e.g. leflunomide).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Chlorambucil may interact with disease conditions, including infections, myelosuppression (bone marrow doesn't make enough blood cells or platelets), Pulmonary Impairment, hepatic dysfunction and seizures.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid alcohol consumption while on treatment with Chlorambucil.
Pregnancy
unsafeChlorambucil is not recommended for use during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy. You or your partner must use a reliable form of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking these medications.
Breast Feeding
unsafeChlorambucil should not be used in breastfeeding. Discuss with your doctor if you have any concerns.
Driving
cautionIt is unknown whether Chlorambucil alters the ability to drive, so do not drive or operate machinery if you experience any symptoms affecting your ability to concentrate and react.
Liver
cautionPatients with liver impairment should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of toxicity. If you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Chlorambucil. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Chlorambucil.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before taking Chlorambucil. Your doctor may titrate the dose if required based on your condition.
Children
consult your doctorChlorambucil can be used to treat Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas in children. Please consult your doctor for more information.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- After your treatment begins, several dietary adjustments can help you control side effects.
- Anyone suffering from a chronic illness, including cancer, should consume foods high in protein, healthy fats, whole grains, and vitamins and minerals.
- Plant-based proteins are among the greatest meals to take during chemotherapy or other cancer treatments. They have the highest concentrations of vitamins and minerals, such as nuts, seeds, beans and legumes.
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yoghurt, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, and herbs.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.
- Performing yoga may also help in improving both physical and mental health.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Avoid fast and fried food, processed meats, refined carbs and added sugars.
Special Advise
- When you take Chlorambucil, your doctor will suggest regular blood tests to monitor the count of blood cells.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Cancer: Cancer is a genetic change in which the body's cells divide uncontrollably and spread into surrounding tissues. There are two types of cancer: benign (localized) and metastatic (spread to the whole body). Types of cancer include blood, lung, breast, etc. Cancer growth can be prevented by chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell therapy.
Hodgkin's disease: Hodgkin lymphoma, commonly known as Hodgkin's disease, is a kind of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Your lymphatic system is a component of your immune system. It aids in the defence of your body against infection and sickness. The lymph system comprises tissues and organs that generate, store, and transport white blood cells.
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: The most prevalent type of leukaemia in adults is chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). It is a form of cancer that begins in the bone marrow in cells that develop into specific white blood cells (called lymphocytes). Cancer (leukaemia) cells begin in the bone marrow and subsequently spread to the blood.
Waldenström macroglobulinemia: Waldenström macroglobulinemia is a rare bone marrow malignancy characterized by an excess of aberrant white blood cells. These aberrant cells resemble both B cells, which are white blood cells (lymphocytes), and plasma cells, which are more mature cells generated from B cells.
Ovarian cancer: Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries (one of a pair of female reproductive glands in which the ova, or eggs, are formed). Advanced ovarian cancer indicates that the cancer has progressed beyond the ovary. It could have spread within the pelvis or abdomen or gone to other parts of the body, such as the lungs.
Breast Cancer: Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in breast cells. Breast cancer may form in lobules (glands that produce milk), ducts of the breast (the pathway that brings milk from glands to the nipple), the fatty tissue or the fibrous connective tissue within the breast. The tumour cells invade other healthy breast cells and can travel to lymph nodes, a primary pathway for the cancer cells to move to other body parts.
FAQs
Chlorambucil is used to treat Cancer.
Chlorambucil contains Chlorambucil, which works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in your body. Thus, it treats cancer efficiently.
Attend all your doctor's appointments while taking Chlorambucil to ensure the therapy is effective. Regular blood tests and weight checks must be performed. While taking the Chlorambucil, both men and women should use an effective means of contraception. Do not use any other medications unless prescribed by the doctor.
Do not stop taking Chlorambucil on your own. Take Chlorambucil for as long as your doctor prescribes it, depending on your medical condition. Do not hesitate to speak with your doctor if you experience difficulty taking Chlorambucil.
Chlorambucil can cause a significant decrease in the number of blood cells and platelets. Your doctor may suggest laboratory tests before and during the treatment.
Chlorambucil may increase the risk that you will develop other cancers. Talk to your doctor about this risk.
Some dietary changes can help you manage side effects; for example, in case of diarrhoea-Choose foods or drinks with sodium (sports drinks or broth) and potassium (bananas and all-natural fruit juices).
Chlorambucil should be taken orally. Swallow Chlorambucil as a whole with a glass of water. Do not break, crush or chew it.
Chlorambucil doesn’t have the potential to cause hair loss or constipation. However, if you experience hair loss or constipation, consult your doctor immediately.
Chlorambucil is metabolised in the liver and excreted in the urine.
Yes, Chlorambucil should be stored at 2-8°C (36-46°F). Keep it out of sight and reach of children.
The common side effects of Chlorambucil may include feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting), sores in the mouth and throat, and tiredness. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
