Drug
Chlorambucil
Pronounced
"klor-AM-byou-sill"
Uses
This medication is used to treat certain types of cancer (such as leukemia, lymphoma). Chlorambucil belongs to a class of drugs known as alkylating agents. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
Warning
Although chlorambucil is used to treat cancer, it may rarely increase your risk of developing other cancers. Also, chlorambucil may lower your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away if you develop unusual growths or lumps, swollen glands, signs of infection (such as a sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills), easy bruising/bleeding, or unusual tiredness.
Taking chlorambucil during pregnancy may increase the risk of birth defects. Also, it may make it harder for men or women to have a child (decreased fertility) after treatment.
Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of treatment with this medication.
Other Uses
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may also be used for certain blood disorders or certain types of kidney disease.
How to Use This Medication
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, drink plenty of fluids to help prevent side effects.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed. Your condition will not improve any faster and your risk of side effects will increase.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets.