Leukeran

Leukeran (chlorambucil) can lower your white blood cell, red blood cell, and platelet counts. This puts you at risk of developing infections and bleeding or bruising. Usually, your blood cell counts return to normal after you stop the medication. But in rare cases, it can be permanent. Your provider will closely monitor your blood counts through routine lab work while you’re taking Leukeran (chlorambucil). Let your provider know as soon as possible if you experience fevers, chills, or bleeding and bruising that doesn’t stop or go away, because you might need to stop this medication.

Though rare, it’s possible that you can develop other types of cancers, such as blood cancers (leukemias), when you take Leukeran (chlorambucil). But it’s difficult to say whether or not this risk is caused by Leukeran (chlorambucil) alone because people who did develop other types of cancers were also receiving other chemotherapy or radiation in combination. Talk to your provider if you are concerned about your risk for other cancers.

Leukeran (chlorambucil) can affect your ability to have a baby. This effect might be permanent in some people. It can also cause birth defects if taken by mothers during pregnancy. If you or your partner are thinking about having a child in the future, talk to your provider about your different options before starting Leukeran (chlorambucil), such as sperm banking or egg freezing.

Though rare, Leukeran (chlorambucil) can cause seizures. You might be at higher risk for seizures if you have kidney problems or are taking Leukeran (chlorambucil) at higher, monthly (pulse) doses. Let your provider know if you have a history of seizures or conditions that raise your risk of seizures (e.g., head trauma, stroke, or taking medications that can make you more likely to have a seizure). Stop taking Leukeran (chlorambucil) and tell your provider right away if you think you've had a seizure while on treatment.