Lomustine is a cytotoxic medication used for the treatment of brain tumours and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It exerts its action by interfering with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis.
Low white blood cell count.
May occur 4-5 weeks after the dose and persist for 1-2 weeks. White blood cells protect the body by fighting bacteria (germs) that cause infection.
When the number of white blood cells is low, you or your child will be more susceptible to infections and may become very ill from these infections.
To help prevent infection:
Seek medical help immediately if you or your child experience any of the following:
Low platelet counts.
May occur 4 weeks after the dose and persist for 1-2 weeks.
Platelets are important for blood clotting. With low platelets, you or your child may bruise or bleed (e.g. gums or nose) more easily than usual.
Loss of appetite may occur and may last for 2 to 3 days.
Effects may be delayed. Onset can occur as early as 6 months from the start of therapy or as late as 17 years after treatment.
Do not take this medication, if you are allergic to Lomustine or any component of this formulation.
Before starting Lomustine, inform your doctor of any other medications that you or your child is already on. Check with the doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medications including vitamins and herbal medications. Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines.
Report to your doctor if you or your child has yellowing of eyes/skin, mental confusion or swelling of feet or lower legs accompanied with lower back or side pain.
A blood test may be done before each treatment. The dose of your chemotherapy may be changed based on the test results and/or other side effects.
It is usually taken as a single dose ONCE every 6 weeks.
Swallow the capsules in whole with a glass of water on an empty stomach.
No food or drink for 2 hours after administration to reduce incidence of nausea and vomiting. Do not open, crush or chew the capsules. You may be given capsules of different strength to make the right dose. It is important to take Lomustine exactly as directed by your doctor.
Take precautions to avoid cytotoxic exposure. (Please refer to patient information leaflet (PIL) on “Safe Handling of Oral Cytotoxic Medications” for details).
If you or your child miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and inform your doctor. If it is nearer to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.
Do not repeat dose if vomiting occurs after dose has been administered, wait until the next scheduled dose. Contact the pharmacist or doctor if you or your child repeatedly miss doses due to vomiting, even with the administration of anti-vomiting medicine.
Take precautions to avoid cytotoxic exposure: wear gloves and mask when handling the capsules. Please refer to Patient's Information Leaflet on "Safe Handling of Oral Cytotoxic Medications" for details.
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