LOMUSTINE
Background and Date of Approval
The U.S. FDA approved lomustine in 1976. This medicine belongs to a group of nitrosourea alkylating agents (chemotherapy drugs that cross the blood-brain barrier).
Uses
It is mainly used to treat brain tumors (lumps formed from abnormal cells), lung tumors, Hodgkinâs disease (cancer of lymph system, a part of the immune system), and malignant melanoma (skin cancer).
How is it administered?
The medicine will be administered to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. It is usually administered in the vein (intravenous). Your doctor will decide the dose, route of administration, and frequency based on your disease condition and other factors.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are likely to be associated with Lomustine are nausea, vomiting, hair loss, delayed myelosuppression, sore and inflamed mouth. Inform your healthcare provider if any of these side effects are persisted.
Warnings
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to gluten or wheat. Talk to your physician if you have severe bone marrow depression, kidney disorders, intolerance to some sugars, or if you are receiving any vaccinations before taking Lomustine.
Precautions
Yellow fever vaccine and other live vaccines are contraindicated in patients with reduced immune function. Talk to your physician about all the medications you are taking recently, including supplements and herbal medicines, before taking Lomustine. Use effective birth control during the treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose.
Word of Advice
Lomustine may cause birth defects. Both men and women should use effective contraception during lomustine therapy and for 6 months after treatment concludes. Men should be informed of the risk of irreversible infertility associated with lomustine treatment. Wear gloves when handling the capsules to reduce skin contact. Should you accidentally handle broken capsules, wash the affected skin areas immediately and thoroughly.
References
Goodman & Gilmanâs, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Cytotoxic agents, 12th edition, 2011, 1686. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Anticancer drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 861. Medac, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [Revised on April 2020] [ Accessed on 12 Dec 2022], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1401/smpc NextSource Biotechnology, LLC, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Jan 2016] [ Accessed on 12 Dec 2022], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/017588s042lbl.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lomustine used for?
Lomustine is indicated to treat brain tumors, lung tumors, Hodgkinâs disease and malignant melanoma.
What class of drug is Lomustine?
Lomustine belongs to the class of medications called alkylating agents.
Who is contraindicated to take Lomustine?
Lomustine is not recommended to take if you have bone marrow and kidney disorders, intolerance to sugars, or if you are allergic to gluten or wheat, or if you receive any vaccinations before taking Lomustine.
What happens if I overdose on Lomustine?
Overdose of Lomustine can cause bone marrow toxicity, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anoroxia, dizziness, cough, shortness of breath, abnormal liver function.
Are there any potential or possible side effects of Lomustine?
Lomustine may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, delayed myelosuppression, sore and inflamed mouth. However, if these side effects worsen or persist, contact your physician immediately.