Availability: Gleostine replaces lomustine and CeeNu, which have been discontinued by the manufacturer. Learn More
What should I watch for?
Visit your doctor for checks on your progress. This drug may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon, as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.
This medicine is taken only every 6 weeks. You may need to wait longer between doses if you have low blood counts. Your doctor will order blood work to check your blood count and to monitor your condition.
In some cases, you may be given additional medicines to help with side effects. Follow all directions for their use.
Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.
Talk to your doctor about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancers if you take this medicine.
This medicine may interfere with the ability to have a child. You should talk with your doctor or health care professional if you are concerned about your fertility.
Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 2 weeks after stopping it. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Men should not father a child while taking this medicine and for 4 months after stopping it. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine or for 2 weeks after stopping it.
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Common and Rare Side Effects
Along with their needed effects, medicines like lomustine can sometimes cause unwanted effects such as blood problems, loss of hair, and other side effects; these are described below. Also, because of the way these medicines act on the body, there is a chance that they might cause other unwanted effects that may not occur until months or years after the medicine is used. These delayed effects may include certain types of cancer, such as leukemia. Discuss these possible effects with your doctor.
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Bleeding gums
shortness of breath
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
Less common
Awkwardness
black, tarry stools
blood in the urine or stools
confusion
cough or hoarseness
decrease in urination
fever or chills
lower back or side pain
painful or difficult urination
pale skin
pinpoint red spots on the skin
slurred speech
swelling of the feet or lower legs
troubled breathing with exertion
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Incidence not known
Blurred vision
changes in patterns and rhythms of speech
confusion about identity, place, and time
decreased vision
hair loss or thinning of the hair
shakiness and unsteady walk
swelling or inflammation of the mouth
trouble with speaking
unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
