Brand Name: Leukeran
Generic Name: Chlorambucil
For: Cats, Dogs, and Horses
What is Chlorambucil?
Chlorambucil is an immunosuppressant that is commonly prescribed to treat dogs, cats, and horses that are suffering from immune-mediated disorders and cancers, such as lymphoma and leukemia. The drug also has antineoplastic properties that make it effective for ridding the pet’s body of unhealthy cellular growths in the blood and lymphatic systems.
How does it work?
Chlorambucil is an alkylating, cytotoxic, antineoplastic drug that forms covalent bonds with nucleic acids, causing disruption of DNA strands and suppressing antibody production. It usually is used in conjunction with other medications, most often Prednisolone. Chlorambucil is well-absorbed orally and is metabolized by the liver.
What are the potential side effects of Chlorambucil?
Side effects with chlorambucil may come on slowly and tend to be most severe about 1-2 weeks after the drug is started. The most common of these side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, loss of hair (with delayed re-growth), tremors, seizures, and liver and kidney enzyme imbalances.
Side effects that may be serious or indicate a serious problem: Low energy level or fever. Lack of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea. Bleeding or bruising. Difficulty breathing. Agitation (ie, anxious, nervous, upset, unable to relax). Facial or eye twitching. Seizures (rare). Other, more serious side-effects include: bone-marrow suppression, anemia, gastro-intestinal tract damage, kidney disease, lung disease, kidney damage, liver damage, and irreversible infertility in males.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you see any of these signs.
What should I avoid while giving my pet Chlorambucil?
Chlorambucil should not be used in patients whose disease has demonstrated a prior resistance to the agent. Patients who have demonstrated hypersensitivity to chlorambucil should not be given the drug. There may be cross-hypersensitivity (skin rash) between chlorambucil and other alkylating agents. Other antineoplastic, bone-marrow suppressant, a corticosteroid, an immunosuppressive, a protein-bound medication, or Amphotericin-B medications can cause reactions with Chlorambucil.
Cautions
This drug can be hazardous to humans. Please take precautions when handling this medication.
When administering the medication you should wear gloves.
Chlorambucil should be administered with extreme care in cases where the patient has an existing infection or bone-marrow depression. This medication should not be administered to males that are intended for breeding or pregnant/lactating females due to increased risk for fetal harm such as birth defects.
Veterinary care is needed immediately if the pet exhibits symptoms such as swelling of the face, worsening skin rash, hives, vomiting, or difficulty breathing, which can indicate an allergic reaction to the drug. Bruising or bleeding while taking Chlorambucil also require immediate professional action.
What if I miss giving a dose of Chlorambucil?
Give the missed dose as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not give a double dose unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian.
