Main use Active ingredient Manufacturer
Leukaemia, lymphoma  Chlorambucil GlaxoSmithKline

How does it work?
Leukeran tablets contain the active ingredient chlorambucil,which is a type of anti-cancer or chemotherapy medicine known as an 'alkylatingagent'.

Cancers form when some cells within the body multiplyuncontrollably and abnormally. These cells spread, destroying nearby tissues.Chlorambucil works by stopping the cancer cells from multiplying. It does thisby binding to and damaging the DNA in the cancer cells. This stops the cellsfrom growing and multiplying.

Unfortunately, chlorambucil can also affect normal, healthycells, particularly those that multiply quickly, such as blood cells and haircells. The most important side effect is on the bone marrow where blood cellsare made. Chlorambucil can decrease the production of blood cells, leavingpeople susceptible to infection. Regular blood tests are therefore needed tomonitor the levels of blood cells.

Chlorambucil is used to treat lymphomas and leukaemias. It istaken by mouth as tablets.

What is it used for?
Lymph node cancer (Hodgkin's disease)
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
A rare type of cancer of the lymphatic system (non-Hodgkins lymphoma) called Waldenstrom's macroglobulinaemia
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Warning!
Leukeran tablets must be swallowed whole with water - do not break, cut, crush or chew them.
The tablets should be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C and kept dry. Make sure that the tablets are kept in a safe place well out of the reach of children, as the medicine could harm them.
Chemotherapy medicines can decrease the number of blood cells in your blood. A low white blood cell count can increase your susceptibility to infections; a low red blood cell count causes anaemia and a low platelet count can cause problems with blood clotting. For this reason, you will need regular blood tests to monitor your blood cells during treatment with this medicine. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms during your treatment, as they may indicate problems with your blood cells: unexplained bruising or bleeding, purple spots, sore mouth or throat, mouth ulcers, high temperature (fever) or other signs of infection, or suddenly feeling tired, breathless, or generally unwell.
If you get an unexplained rash while taking this medicine you should let your doctor know immediately.
This medicine may be harmful to an unborn baby, and for this reason you should use effective contraception to avoid becoming pregnant or fathering a child during treatment. You should continue to use contraception to prevent pregnancy for at least a few months after stopping this medicine, but discuss this with your doctor. Women should consult their doctor immediately if they get pregnant during treatment.
Your ability to get pregnant or father a child may be affected by taking this drug. It is important to discuss fertility with your doctor before starting treatment.
Long-term treatment with chlorambucil may increase the risk of developing developing acute leukaemia (cancer of the white blood cells) after many years. After your treatment you will have regular blood tests which will detect any possible leukaemic changes early, if they do occur. Your doctor or nurse can discuss the risks of this with you.
Use with caution in
Decreased liver function
Decreased kidney function
Children with