Chlorambucil tablets

Last updated by Peer reviewed by Sid Dajani
Last updated Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

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Chlorambucil is used to treat a number of different cancers of the blood or lymphatic system.

Keep your regular appointments with your doctor or hospital. You will need to have frequent blood tests and check-ups.

The most common side-effects are feeling sick (nausea), diarrhoea and mouth ulcers.

Type of medicineAn alkylating chemotherapy medicine
Used forTreatment of cancer
Available asTablet

Chlorambucil is used to treat some cancers, particularly cancer of white blood cells and cancers of the lymphatic system. It can be prescribed both for adults and for children.

In cancer, certain cells in the body grow and multiply too fast. Anti-cancer medicines (chemotherapy) like chlorambucil work by preventing the growth and division of cells, and this reduces the number of cancer cells your body makes. Chlorambucil can be used as a treatment on its own, or alongside other medicines to help treat your condition.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you (or, if appropriate, your child) start taking chlorambucil it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • If you have any problems with the way your liver works.
  • If you have a kidney problem called nephrotic syndrome.
  • If you have ever had a fit (seizure) or if you have epilepsy.
  • If you have an infection or feel unwell.
  • If you have a rare inherited blood disorder called porphyria.
  • If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
  • Before you start this treatment, read any printed information you have been given by your doctor and the leaflet from inside your pack of tablets. The leaflet will give you more information about chlorambucil and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking it.
  • Chlorambucil will be given to you by a specialist doctor who is experienced in treating your condition. Your doctor will calculate what dose is right for you and will tell you how many tablets to take each day - it is important that you take chlorambucil exactly as you have been told. Your dose will also be printed on the label of your pack. If you are unsure about what to do, or if you have any other concerns, you should contact your doctor or hospital clinic for advice.
  • You should take the tablets when your stomach is empty, which means taking them one hour before eating food, or waiting until three hours afterwards. This is because food prevents chlorambucil from being absorbed by your body, which means the medicine is much less effective for you.
  • Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Do not break, crush or chew them.
  • Try to take chlorambucil at the same time each day, as this will help you to remember to take your doses.
  • If you are sick shortly after taking a dose, or if you forget a dose, contact your doctor or clinic for advice on what to do. You will be told whether to take the dose again, or to wait until the next dose is due.
  • You must try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor or hospital. This is so your doctor can check on your progress. You will need to have regular blood tests and check-ups during your treatment.
  • Chlorambucil lowers the number of white cells in your blood, increasing the chance of you getting an infection. You should take certain precautions to reduce the risk of infection - if possible, avoid people with infections and let your doctor know if you think you are getting a sore throat or if you have a high temperature (fever).
  • It is important that you do not get pregnant or father a child while you are taking chlorambucil. Make sure you have discussed with your doctor which types of contraception are suitable for you and your partner.
  • If you intend to have children in the future, you should ask your doctor for advice about family planning before you begin taking chlorambucil. There is a risk of reduced fertility after treatment with chlorambucil.
  • This medicine lowers your natural protection against infections. It is important to protect yourself from serious illness by having any vaccinations your doctor offers you. If you live with other people they can also help protect you by having their vaccinations when invited.

  • Some vaccines may not be suitable for people with lowered immune systems. Always let the person vaccinating know that you are taking this medicine.
  • If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause side-effects although not everyone experiences them. Before you start treatment with chlorambucil, your doctor will discuss with you the possibility of unwanted side-effects occurring. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with chlorambucil. You will find a full list of side-effects in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your tablets.

Common chlorambucil side-effects - these affect fewer than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this?
Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)Stick to simple foods. Let your doctor know about this, as an anti-sickness medicine may help
DiarrhoeaDrink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. If this continues, speak with your doctor
Mouth ulcersBrushing your teeth 2-3 times a day with a soft toothbrush and regularly using a mouth rinse may help to prevent this. If mouth ulcers become a problem, speak with your doctor
Less common but more serious chlorambucil side-effects
What can I do if I experience this?
Unexpected bruising or bleeding, a high temperature (fever), or symptoms of an infectionLet your doctor know about this straightaway
Skin rashLet your doctor know about this as soon as possible. Some skin rashes can be a sign of an allergic-type reaction

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store the tablets in a refrigerator.
  • Return any unused or unwanted tablets to your pharmacy to destroy. These will need special disposal.

Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

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Further reading and references

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