Chlorambucil
Chlorambucil is an alkylating cancer medicine used within selected haematology regimens. It can suppress bone marrow and requires specialist prescribing and monitoring. Listed uses include chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Key points
- Low white cells, platelets or red cells can lead to infection, bleeding or anaemia.
- Chlorambucil can harm a fetus and may impair fertility; pregnancy and reproductive plans require specialist discussion.
- Do not start, stop, substitute or change a cancer medicine outside the treating team’s plan.
Listings are for comparison only; suitability and supply depend on specialist prescribing, current blood results and controlled pharmacy checks.
How it works
Chlorambucil damages DNA and limits division of susceptible cells. This effect also harms healthy rapidly dividing cells, particularly in bone marrow.
Important safety checks
Monitoring includes blood counts and condition-specific liver, kidney and treatment-response checks. Review infection, vaccines, seizures, previous radiotherapy or chemotherapy, pregnancy prevention and all medicines.
When to seek urgent care
Follow the oncology team’s emergency instructions. Seek urgent help for fever, signs of infection, unusual bleeding, severe weakness, a seizure, blistering skin, facial swelling or breathing difficulty.