Chlorambucil Guide – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Safety Tips

Chlorambucil is a chemotherapy pill that’s been around for decades. It’s mainly used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and some types of lymphoma. Because it’s an oral drug, you take it at home, but that also means you need to stay on top of doses and lab tests.

How Chlorambucil Works and Who Needs It

The drug belongs to a class called alkylating agents. It attaches to DNA in cancer cells and stops them from multiplying. Doctors usually prescribe it when the disease is slow‑growing or when patients can’t handle stronger IV chemo.

Typical candidates are:

Adults with early‑stage CLL who don’t have aggressive symptoms.
People with low‑grade non‑Hodgkin lymphoma who need a gentler approach.
Patients who prefer a pill over IV infusion.

Even though it’s a “milder” chemo, it still has real side effects, so regular check‑ups are a must.

Key Points to Remember When Taking Chlorambucil

Dosage: Most doctors start with 0.1 mg/kg per day for 7 days, then give a break for a few weeks. The exact schedule can vary, so follow your prescription exactly.

Timing: Take the tablet with food or a big glass of water to reduce stomach upset. If you miss a dose, call your pharmacy – don’t double up.

Lab monitoring: Blood counts are checked every 2–4 weeks. Low white cells or platelets mean the doctor might pause treatment.

Common side effects: Nausea, mild hair loss, fatigue, and occasional low blood counts. Most people feel these in the first few weeks, then they improve.

When to seek help: Fever over 100.4°F, persistent vomiting, or unusual bruising. Those can signal infections or serious marrow suppression.

Because chlorambucil can affect the bone marrow, avoid live vaccines and talk to your doctor before starting new supplements or over‑the‑counter meds.

Below are some of the latest articles tagged with “chlorambucil” on PharmaScout. Click any title to read the full piece and get deeper insights.

Keep this page handy when you talk to your oncologist or pharmacist. Knowing the basics of chlorambucil helps you stay in control of your treatment and catch any issues early.

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