Side Effects of Leukeran

Leukeran is a chemotherapy drug used to treat various kinds of cancers. According to Medicinenet.com, it works by slowing the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body and will often be combined with other chemotherapy drugs to achieve the best results. As with many chemotherapy drugs, certain side effects caused by Leukeran can be mild or severe.

Allergic Reaction

• It is possible that while taking Leukeran, patients will experience an allergic reaction to the drug. According to Drugs.com, symptoms of an allergic reaction include swelling of the face, lips, mouth and tongue, rash, chest pain, difficulty breathing, absence of monthly periods, chills, extreme tiredness, fever and hallucinations. Other possible symptoms include pain in the hip, stomach, or joints, infertility, seizures, persistent cough, nausea, sores on the mouth and lips and unusual bruising or bleeding. Contact your doctor if any of these occur.

Hematologic

• It is common that patients treated with Leukeran will experience hematologic side effects. Drugs.com states that doctors have seen that bone marrow suppression is the most widespread side effect. Additional hematologic side effects include anemia, a decrease in the number of white blood cells in the body (caused by decrease production by bone marrow), possible decrease in all of the blood cells in the body and lack of platelets in the blood. Bone marrow suppression may be reversible.

Nervous System

• Drugs.com states in that side effects of the central nervous system are quite rare in those taking Leukeran. Possible side effects include tremors, twitching of the muscles, twitching of the muscle fibers, agitation, confusion, lack of order (ataxia) and spinal cord disorders. Hallucinations and seizures are also possible. Seizures mainly occur in those who experience acute overdose. In most cases, reports drugs.com, these side effects will subside after patients stop taking Leukeran.

Gastrointestinal/Dermatologic

• In many cases, gastrointestinal side effects occur infrequently and are not severe. However, if they do become severe, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and ulcers found in the mouth. Dermatologic side effects may include allergic reactions where patients will experience hives, swelling underneath the skin (angioneurotic edema) and rash. This will usually occur after initial dosages states drugs.com. Other side effects may include Stevens-Johnson syndrome and erythema multiforme which causes itching, fever and skin lesions.

Additional Side Effects

• Further side effects associated with Leukeran include jaundice, pulmonary fibrosis, damage to the liver, drug fever and pneumonia. Possible genitourinary side effects include sterile cystitis and infertility. Serious oncologic side effects that have been reported are leukemia and secondary malignancies, explains drugs.com. Lethargy, weakness, stupor and vision changes are also possible. Contact your doctor if any of these become serious or persist, as you may need to stop taking Leukeran.