Lomustine capsules

About lomustine capsules

Lomustine is used to treat some cancers. It is given in particular to treat Hodgkin's disease when other treatments have not proved effective. It is also prescribed for some brain, lung and skin cancers. Lomustine can be given alongside other medicines or treatments for cancer.

In cancer, certain cells in the body grow and multiply too fast. Chemotherapy medicines like lomustine work by preventing the growth and division of cells. This reduces the number of cancer cells that your body makes.

Before taking lomustine

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 start taking lomustine it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have any problems with the way your kidneys work.

• If you have an infection or feel unwell.

• If you have coeliac disease or wheat allergy.

• If you have a rare inherited blood condition called porphyria.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

• If you are taking 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.

How to take lomustine

• Before you start this treatment, read any printed information you have been given by your doctor and the printed manufacturer's leaflet from inside your pack of capsules. These will give you more information about lomustine and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Lomustine will be prescribed for 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 capsules to take. You will also be told on which day you should take them - it is important that you take lomustine exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is usually taken on just one day every 6-8 weeks (occasionally the dose can be split over three days instead). Your dose will be printed on the label of the pack to remind you about what the doctor said to you but if you are unsure about how to take the capsules, or if you have any other concerns, you should contact your doctor or hospital clinic for advice.

• If you are sick (vomiting) shortly after taking a dose, please speak with your doctor or clinic for advice on what to do.
  

Getting the most from your treatment

• 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 with lomustine.

• It is important that you do not get pregnant or father a child while you are taking lomustine. Make sure you have discussed with your doctor which types of contraception are suitable for you and your partner. Women should continue to use contraception for seven months after treatment has finished. Men should not father a child for at least 4 months after finishing treatment. If you would like to have children in the future, you should ask your doctor for advice about family planning before you begin taking lomustine. This is particularly important if you are a man, as there is a risk of reduced male fertility or sterility with lomustine treatment.

• While you are taking lomustine and for six months after you have stopped the treatment, do not have any immunisations (vaccinations) without talking to your specialist doctor first. Lomustine lowers your body's resistance and there is a risk that you will get an infection from some vaccines.

Can lomustine cause problems?

Medicines used to treat cancer can have a number of side-effects, some of which can be delayed for several days or weeks after taking the medicine. Most chemotherapy medicines can lower the number of white cells in your blood, which increases the risk of you getting an infection. The risk of this is commonly highest 4-6 weeks after taking lomustine. You should take precautions to reduce the risk of getting an infection - you can do this by avoiding being with people who you know have an infection. If you think you are getting a sore throat or if you have a high temperature, please let your doctor know as soon as possible so that you can get some treatment straightaway.

Your doctor will discuss with you the possibility of unwanted side-effects from your treatment with lomustine, although not everyone experiences these. The table below contains some of the side-effects associated with lomustine. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. Please let your doctor know if you experience any of the following:

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the capsules, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store lomustine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
  

Important information about all medicines