When we hear the word cancer, many of us are very afraid. We also don't have a good picture in our minds about the treatments that are given at the same time, that is, chemotherapy. But today we are going to talk about one medicine that you may have to use during such treatment, as simple as talking to a friend. The name of this medicine is Chlorambucil. If you or someone you know has been prescribed this medicine by the doctor, this article will be very important for you.
What exactly is Chlorambucil?
Simply put, chlorambucil is a type of chemotherapy drug that kills cancer cells. Cancer cells in our body are cells that divide and grow rapidly without control. So what this drug does is slow down that rapid growth. It's like putting the brakes on a speeding car.
This medicine is used specifically to treat certain types of leukemia (blood cancer) and lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes). You can find it in pharmacies under the brand name `Leukeran`.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
This is very important. Before your doctor prescribes this medicine for you, he or she needs to have a complete picture of your condition. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor.
- Head trauma: If you have recently or previously suffered a head injury .
- Liver Disease: If there is any problem with the liver, it should be mentioned, because the liver plays a major role in removing this medicine from the body.
- Low Blood Counts: If previous reports have shown that you have low white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets.
- Radiation Therapy: If you have recently undergone radiation therapy or are currently undergoing it.
- Epilepsy or Seizures: If you have a seizure disorder.
- Allergies: If you have an allergy not only to this chlorambucil medication, but also to other chemotherapy drugs, any other medication, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy: This is a must-mention if you are pregnant , trying to get pregnant , or suspect you are pregnant .
- Breastfeeding: If you are breastfeeding your baby.
Talking to your doctor without hiding this information is very important for your safety and the success of your treatment.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
The way to use this is very simple, but very important.
1. Take with a glass of water: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
2. Take as directed: Take the medicine exactly as your doctor tells you to take it, exactly as prescribed. If it's once a day, try to take it at the same time every day.
3. Don't take too much: Don't drink more than the prescribed dose.
4. Don't stop: Never stop taking your medication without first consulting your doctor. Even if you feel uncomfortable, only your doctor can decide whether or not to stop the treatment.
If given to children: Special care is needed when giving this medicine to children. Talk to your pediatrician about this.
If you take too much medicine (Overdose):
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, don't waste any time . Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) as soon as possible.
This medicine is for you only: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to anyone else, even if your symptoms are the same as yours.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
Sometimes we forget to take our medicine. If that happens, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses of medicine at once for any reason.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some medications may interact with chlorambucil. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (medicines for other illnesses, painkillers, vitamins, Ayurvedic/Sinhala medicines, traditional medicines).
- Do not take the medicine `Nalidixic acid` with this.
- Live Vaccines: You should avoid getting live vaccines (such as measles, mumps) while taking this medicine. Before receiving any vaccine, tell your doctor that you are taking chlorambucil.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
When you're undergoing chemotherapy, you have to think a little more about your body.
- Decreased immunity: This medicine can reduce the number of white blood cells in your body that fight disease. This means you can get infections very easily. Therefore, stay away from people who have symptoms like fever, cold, cough, and sore throat. If you experience such symptoms, do not self-medicate and inform your doctor immediately.
- Bleeding and bruising: This medication can also reduce the number of platelets, which help blood clot. So, even a small injury can cause major bruising, bleeding from the gums, and nosebleeds. If you notice any unusual bleeding, tell your doctor .
- Blood tests: Your doctor will give you blood tests regularly. This is how he monitors your blood condition. Don't skip these tests.
- Risk of other cancers: Very rarely, there is a small risk of developing other types of cancer with long-term use of this medicine. Don't worry about this. Your doctor will weigh the risks and benefits before giving you this treatment. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor.
What you need to know specifically about pregnancy and fertility
This is a very sensitive and important matter.
- Do not get pregnant: Do not get pregnant at all while taking this medication. Also, men should prevent their partners from getting pregnant. This medication can seriously harm the unborn baby.
- Effects on Fertility: This medication can cause ovarian failure in women and reduced sperm count in men. Simply put, it can affect the ability to have children.
Therefore, if you have plans to have children in the future, talk openly about it with your doctor before starting treatment . He or she will inform you about alternative methods for that.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, chlorambucil can have side effects. Not everyone gets them, but it's important to be aware of them.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of low blood cell count | Symptoms of infection: fever, chills, cough, sore throat. Signs of bleeding: unusual bruising, small red spots on the skin, blood in the urine, black stools. Symptoms of anemia: extreme fatigue, paleness, fainting. |
| Symptoms of Liver Injury | Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark yellow/brown urine, pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea. |
| Nervous system problems | Seizures, confusion, tremors, numbness or pain in the limbs. |
| Skin problems | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Other | Cessation of menstruation in women, difficulty breathing. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Digestive system problems | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. |
| Mouth Sores | Painful sores in the mouth or lips. |
How should I store the medicine?
This is also very important. To maintain the quality of the medicine, it must be stored properly.
- Store in the refrigerator: Store these tablets at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius (2-8 °C), such as in a part of the refrigerator, such as the door .
- Keep away from children: Keep out of reach of children.
- Protect: Protect from moisture and light.
- After expiration: Throw away any medicine that has passed the expiration date.
Cancer treatment is a journey. That journey can be difficult at times. But you are not alone. Your doctor, the nursing staff, and your family are with you. Talk to them about any questions, fears, or concerns you may have.
Take-Home Message
- Chlorambucil is a powerful anti-cancer drug that should be used only under the advice of a doctor.
- Never start, stop, or change the dosage of medication without medical advice.
- If you notice signs of infection or bleeding, such as fever, chills, unusual bleeding or bruising, tell your doctor immediately.
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before starting treatment.
- Give your doctor a complete list of all the medications you take (including vitamins and herbal products).
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