Why has my veterinarian prescribed Chlorambucil for my dog?
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 Chlorambucil to my dog?
- Wear gloves when handling 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.
- It is recommended that you wash your hands after administering this medication.
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.
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.
- 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.
Based on material written by Rita Ozolins, B.Sc., Phm. and modified with permission from Lifelearn Inc.
© Copyright 2005 Lifelearn Inc.
