$Unique_ID{BRK03206}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{lomustine}
$Subject{CeeNU Bristol Antineoplastic anticancer drug lomustine nitrosourea
alkylating agents cancers cancer cells}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


lomustine
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     CeeNU (Bristol)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antineoplastic (anticancer drug)

INGREDIENT

     lomustine

DOSAGE FORM

     Capsules (10 mg, 40 mg, and 100 mg)

STORAGE

     Lomustine should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
container.

USES

     This medication belongs to a group of drugs known as nitrosourea
alkylating agents.  It is used to treat a variety of cancers.  Lomustine is
thought to work by binding to the rapidly growing cancer cells, preventing
their multiplication and growth.

TREATMENT

     To help prevent nausea, you should take lomustine on an empty stomach
(unless your doctor directs otherwise).
     The patient is usually required to take this medication as a single dose
once a week.  The total weekly dose consists of a number of capsules of
different strengths and colors, which are all taken at the same time.  The
timing of each weekly dose is very important; be sure you completely
understand your doctor's instructions on how and when this medication should
be taken.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Nausea and vomiting may occur three to six hours after taking a dose of
lomustine; these symptoms usually last less than 24 hours.  The use of
lomustine may also cause hair loss, which is reversible when the medication is
stopped.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
chills, confusion, decreased coordination, difficult or painful urination,
disorientation, fever, itching, loss of appetite, lethargy, mouth sores, sore
throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, weakness, or yellowing of the eyes or
skin.  These side effects may even appear several weeks after the last dose is
taken.

INTERACTIONS

     Lomustine should not interact with other medications if it is used
according to directions.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to lomustine, carmustine, or streptozocin.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had blood disorders, chronic or recurrent
infections, or kidney disease.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
     * You should not receive any immunizations or vaccinations while taking
this medication.  Lomustine blocks the effectiveness of vaccines, which could
result in an overwhelming infection if a live-virus vaccine is administered.
Be sure to tell your doctor you are taking lomostine before you are given any
immunizations or vaccinations.
     * Lomustine can lower your platelet count, which can decrease your body's
ability to form blood clots.  You should, therefore, be especially careful
while brushing your teeth, flossing, or using toothpicks, razors, or
fingernail scissors.  Try to avoid falls and other injuries.  Your doctor may
also order periodic laboratory tests to monitor your blood.
     * Lomustine can decrease fertility in both men and women.
     * Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Lomustine has been reported to
cause birth defects in both animals and humans whose mothers received the drug
during pregnancy.  The risks should be discussed with your doctor.  Also, tell
your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of lomustine
pass into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.