Lomustine
About Lomustine
Lomustine is an anti-cancer medicine used in the treatment of brain tumors. A tumor is defined as the formation of solid mass tissue due to the abnormal growth of cells. Lomustine is used in the treatment of primary and metastatic brain tumors along with appropriate surgical or radiotherapeutic procedures. A brain tumor is a serious condition where the cells (cancerous or non-cancerous) grow abnormally in the brain. Lomustine is also used in the treatment of Hodgkin’s Disease when used in combination with other chemotherapies.
Lomustine contains Lomustine, which belongs to the alkylating agents class. It works by inhibiting the DNA and RNA transcription that is essential for protein synthesis. This causes shrinkage of tumor cells and thereby prevents the growth and further spread of cancerous or non-cancerous cells.
Lomustine may cause certain side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, headache, visual disturbances, blindness, disorientation, lack of energy, loss of control, and difficulty talking. These side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor. Lomustine should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more than the recommended dose of medicine.
Lomustine should be avoided if you are allergic to it or any other components present in it. Lomustine may cause pulmonary toxicity, delayed myelosuppression, pulmonary fibrosis, nephrotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity in some patients. Hence, careful monitoring should be done during the entire treatment. This medicine is known to cause embryo-fetal harm in pregnant women. Hence, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. It is unknown whether Lomustine is suitable for children's use. Hence, please consult your doctor or paediatrician for information on children's use. Breastfeeding should be discontinued in nursing mothers during the treatment. Lomustine should only be taken once in 6 weeks as taking more than the recommended dose can cause serious life-threatening problems. Hence, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting the treatment.
Uses of Lomustine
Medicinal Benefits
Lomustine contains Lomustine, which belongs to the alkylating agents class. It works by inhibiting the DNA and RNA transcription that is essential for protein synthesis. This causes shrinkage of tumor cells and thereby prevents the growth and further spread of cancerous or non-cancerous cells.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Lomustine
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Lack of energy
- Visual disturbances
- Loss of balance
- Difficulty talking
- Decreased platelet count
- Blindness
Drug Warnings
Lomustine should be avoided if you are allergic to it or any other components present in it. Let your doctor know about your complete medical history, including current medication, to rule out any side effects/interactions. This medicine can cause a severe decrease in the number of blood cells in your bone marrow. A decrease in the number of blood cells in your body may cause certain symptoms and increase the risk of developing a serious infection or bleeding. Before administration, inform your doctor if you have liver/kidney disease, blood disorders, or respiratory conditions. Lomustine may cause pulmonary toxicity, delayed myelosuppression, pulmonary fibrosis, secondary malignancies, nephrotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity in some patients. Hence, careful monitoring should be done during the entire treatment. Lomustine is known to cause embryo-fetal harm in pregnant women. Hence, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. Breastfeeding should be discontinued in nursing mothers during the treatment. Lomustine should be given in children only if prescribed by the paediatrician. Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking, as it can lead to serious adverse effects. Lomustine may cause visual disturbances as a side effect. Hence, avoid driving vehicles or operating machines until you can see clearly. Lomustine should be taken once in 6 weeks only. Hence, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting the treatment.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Lomustine may interact with live vaccines, monoclonal antibodies (certolizumab, baricitinib, adalimumab ), antifungal drugs (ketoconazole), antipsychotic drug (clozapine), antirheumatic drug (leflunomide), etc.
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease and pulmonary disorders before taking Lomustine.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid alcohol consumption while on treatment with Lomustine to prevent serious adverse effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeLomustine is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may harm your fetus. If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking Lomustine.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding your child while on treatment with Lomustine as it causes serious side effects to the baby.
Driving
unsafeLomustine may cause visual disturbances as a side effect. Avoid driving vehicles or operating machines until you are alert.
Liver
cautionLomustine may cause hepatotoxicity. If you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Lomustine. Your liver function should be monitored carefully before, during and after the treatment with Lomustine.
Kidney
cautionLomustine and its metabolites are known to be largely eliminated via the kidney, and the risk of adverse responses to this medicine may be higher in patients with impaired renal function. It may cause nephrotoxicity with progressive renal failure and a decrease in kidney size. Hence, if you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before taking Lomustine.
Children
cautionPlease consult a doctor. Your child's doctor may recommend this medicine based on the age, body weight and disease condition of your child.
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.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Avoid fast and fried food, processed meats, refined carbs and added sugars.
Special Advise
- A blood test should be performed, such as LFT, RFT, and PFT, to check for liver/kidney function and pulmonary function.
- Weekly blood tests should be done during the treatment course to check for CBC (Complete blood count).
- Lomustine should not be taken more than the prescribed dose as it can lead to fatal toxicities and death.
- Lomustine should always be taken on an empty stomach only to avoid nausea.
- The patient's stool, urine and vomit should be discarded carefully by the caregiver. Gloves should be worn to avoid any contamination.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Brain Tumors: A tumor is defined as the formation of solid mass tissue due to the abnormal growth of cells. A brain tumor is a serious condition where the cells (cancerous or non-cancerous) grow abnormally in the brain. There are different types of brain tumors which can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Lomustine is used in the treatment of primary (a tumor that starts in any part of the brain) and metastatic (cancer cells which spread to other organs of the body) brain tumors.
Hodgkin’s Disease: Hodgkin’s disease or lymphoma is a blood cancer of a certain type of cells called WBCs, specifically lymphocytes. Lymphocytes normally help control infection and maintain the body's normal immunity. However, in a cancerous state, there is an abnormal multiplication of these blood cells, causing many problems such as fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, itching, night sweats and lymph node swelling.
FAQs
Lomustine is used to treat Brain Tumors and Hodgkin's Disease.
Lomustine contains Lomustine, which belongs to the alkylating agents class. It works by inhibiting the DNA and RNA transcription that is essential for protein synthesis.
Lomustine may cause or worsen pulmonary toxicity, myelosuppression, nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. Hence, inform your oncologist about your complete medical history, including current medication, to rule out any adverse effects/interactions.
Lomustine is effective in treating brain tumours and Hodgkin's lymphoma (a rare type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system). However, its effectiveness can vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, how the body responds to the medication, and whether it is used alone or in combination with other anti-cancer drugs. Always follow your doctor's instructions, as proper dosing and monitoring are crucial for maximizing its effectiveness.
Lomustine does not work immediately. It may take several weeks or months to see the full effect of the treatment as the drug gradually slows the growth of cancer cells. Your doctor will monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
Lomustine has a long half-life, typically 16 to 48 hours, meaning it can remain in your body for several days. However, its effects can last longer, as it works in the body for weeks.
If you miss a dose of Lomustine, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. Always follow your doctor's instructions for dosing.
Lomustine may cause common side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, headache, visual disturbances, blindness, disorientation, lack of energy, loss of control, and difficulty talking in some individuals. These side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Before taking Lomustine, it's important to share your medical history and current medications with your doctor. If you have any allergies, liver or kidney problems, or breathing issues, be sure to let them know. Lomustine can lower your blood count, making you more prone to infections or bleeding, and may cause vision problems, so be careful when driving or operating machinery. Additionally, if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor, and children should only take Lomustine under a paediatrician's care. Typically taken every 6 weeks, be sure to consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.
Yes, women can use Lomustine only if recommended by a doctor. Lomustine is a chemotherapy drug, and its use may require special considerations for women, particularly those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant. This is because it can harm the developing foetus or be passed to the baby through breast milk. Always consult with your doctor before using Lomustine. Your doctor will evaluate the benefits and risks before prescribing it and may monitor you for any side effects.
