MedicineNet.com

lomustine - oral, Ceenu

Take the Chronic Fatigue Quiz Surprising Benefits of Sex Slideshow Foods & Drinks That Make You Gotta Go Slideshow

GENERIC NAME: LOMUSTINE - ORAL (low-MUSS-teen)

BRAND NAME(S): Ceenu

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: Lomustine may cause serious blood disorders (decreased bone marrow function leading to low number of white blood cells/platelets and anemia). It can lower your body's ability to fight an infection and increase your risk of bleeding. These side effects usually occur 4-6 weeks after your dose. Higher doses and more doses increase the chance of these side effects.

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms of infection (fever, chills, persistent sore throat) or unusually easy bruising/ bleeding. (See also Side Effects section.)

Your doctor will monitor you and perform blood tests weekly for at least 6 weeks after each dose. Your dose and any further treatment will be based on your blood tests. You will have to wait at least 6 weeks between doses.

USES: This medication is used to treat various types of cancer. Lomustine belongs to a class of drugs known as alkylating agents. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as a single dose as directed by your doctor. (See also Warning section.) Your dose may consist of 2 or more different strengths/colors of capsules. Taking this medication on an empty stomach with a full glass of water may decrease nausea and vomiting. Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, drink plenty of fluids to avoid a serious loss of body water (dehydration).The dosage is based on your medical condition, other treatments (e.g., radiation, chemotherapy), body size, and response to therapy (e.g., side effects such as low white blood cell count).Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and the risk of serious side effects may be increased.Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the capsules.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and mouth/lip sores may occur. Nausea and vomiting usually last for less than 24 hours, though loss of appetite can last for several days. Nausea and vomiting can be quite severe. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent/treat nausea and vomiting. Changes in diet such as eating several small meals or limiting activity may help decrease some of these effects. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. (See also Warning section.)Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: confusion, swelling of lower legs/feet, vision changes.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: coughing up blood, persistent nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, black tarry stools, unusual tiredness, change in the amount of urine, dark or pink urine, yellow eyes/skin.A severe (sometimes fatal) lung problem (pulmonary fibrosis) has occurred in patients using this drug. This condition can occur months to years after you start taking this medication. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of these serious side effects: cough, chest pain, difficult/painful breathing.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.