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  • Chartwell Veterinary Clinic
  • 2375 Brimley Road,
  • Scarborough,
  • Ontario,
  • M1S 3L6
  • Phone: 416-291-2364
  • Website: chartwellvet.com

Chlorambucil

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Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Chlorambucil is used to suppress the immune system and to treat abnormal tissue growth that may be either benign or cancerous. Examples of conditions the drug may be used for include lymphocytic leukemia, multiple myeloma, glomerulonephritis, non-erosive arthritis, immune-mediated skin disease, feline pemphigus foliaceous and severe feline eosinophilic granuloma complex.

How do I give this medication?medications

"Wear gloves when handling this medication."
  • Wear gloves when handling this medication.
    "Avoid contact with your pet's urine, feces and saliva for 48 hours after each dose."
  • Avoid contact with your pet's urine, feces and saliva for 48 hours after each dose.
  • It is recommended that you wash your hands after administering this medication.
  • Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
  • Try to give this medication at about the same time(s) each day.
  • DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed.
  • DO NOT give the medicine more often than directed.
  • DO NOT stop giving this medication unless directed by your veterinarian.
  • Try not to miss giving any doses.

What should I do if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

  • Keep this medicine out of reach of children and pets.
  • Store this medicine in a tight, light resistant container in the refrigerator at 2o to 8 oC.

What are the potential side effects?

  • Your veterinarian will likely monitor your pet's blood levels regularly to check for bone marrow suppression, which may result in anemia or bleeding disorders. These symptoms may appear one to two weeks after initiating therapy. Contact your veterinarian if you notice bruising, bleeding, excessive tiredness, infection, depression or difficulty breathing.
  • Some dogs may lose their hair after treatment.
  • Since chlorambucil can increase your pet's chance of getting an infection, try to keep your pet away from stray animals or animals that may have an infection.
  • Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Are there any possible drug interactions?

  • Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication or supplements you are giving your pet.
  • Quite often, your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, even if a drug interaction may occur. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
  • The following drugs can potentially interact with chlorambucil: other neoplastic agents, other bone marrow depressant drugs, and other immunosuppressant drugs.
  • Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.

© Copyright 2015 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Doctorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health.