What is Ceenu (lomustine)?
Lomustine is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Lomustine interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
Lomustine is used to treat cancerous brain tumors and the blood cancer Hodgkin's disease.
Lomustine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
How should I take Ceenu (lomustine)?
Take lomustine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to explain them to you.
Take each oral dose with a large glass of water. Taking lomustine on an empty stomach may reduce nausea and vomiting. Check with your doctor if vomiting occurs shortly after taking a dose of lomustine. Your doctor may want you to take another dose, but do not do this without checking with your doctor first. Nausea and vomiting usually last less than 24 hours following a dose of lomustine, however decreased appetite may last for several days.
Lomustine is usually given as a single dose which may be repeated in six or more weeks following recovery of the blood. To get the correct dose, you may be given a combination of two or more different types and colors of capsules.
Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with lomustine to monitor progress and side effects.
Store lomustine tablets at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep this product out of the reach of children.
What happens if I overdose?
If for any reason an overdose of lomustine is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Symptoms of a lomustine overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe.
What should I avoid while taking Ceenu (lomustine)?
Lomustine can lower the activity of your immune system making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with lomustine. In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you.
Ceenu (lomustine) side effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
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an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of your throat; difficulty breathing; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives);
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decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; unusual bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; or fever, chills, sore throat, or signs of infection);
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shortness of breath or dry cough;
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swelling of feet or lower legs;
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little or no urine production;
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yellowing of the eyes or skin; or
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mental confusion.
Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience
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loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting;
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mouth sores;
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temporary hair loss;
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visual changes;
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disorientation;
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fatigue or tiredness;
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decreased coordination; or
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speech disturbances.
In some cases, second cancers have been reported to occur during and following treatment with lomustine. Also, lomustine has been associated with the lung disorder pulmonary fibrosis. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication. |
