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Leukeran® (chlorambucil) is a prescription chemotherapy medication approved to treat certain cancers of the blood cells, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia and lymphoma. Although it is not a cure for these cancers, Leukeran may help reduce symptoms.
(Click Leukeran Uses for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
Leukeran is made by GlaxoSmithKline.
Leukeran belongs to a group of medicines known as alkylating agents. It works by interfering with DNA replication, a process which is necessary for cells to copy themselves and divide. This causes cell death. The medication also activates a protein that causes cell death by a process known as apoptosis.
While Leukeran can kill both healthy and cancerous cells, it has a greater effect on cells that are multiplying rapidly. Generally, cancer cells multiply more rapidly than healthy cells and are, therefore, more affected by Leukeran.
Some general considerations to keep in mind during treatment with Leukeran include the following:
- Leukeran comes in the form of a tablet. It is normally taken by mouth once a day.
- Try to take this medicine on an empty stomach, about one hour before or two hours after eating. Take it with food if it upsets your stomach.
- Try to take your dose at the same time each day to keep an even level of the medicine in your bloodstream.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.
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This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
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