Celkeran 5mg tablet contains the active ingredient chlorambucil. It is an anti-cancer medicine that belongs to the class of medications called alkylating agents. It is used to treat Hodgkin’s disease and non-hodgkin’s lymphoma (cancers formed from cells of the lymphatic system). It is also indicated to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (A type of WBC cancer, where the bone marrow produces a large number of abnormal cells) and Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia (A rare lymphoma associated with an uncontrolled increase of B-cells, a type of white blood cell, resulting in the release of an abnormal protein into the blood.)
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to Celkeran 5mg tablet or any of the ingredients. Inform the physician about your recent vaccination history, liver problems, kidney problems, and seizures. Notify the doctor if you have had radiotherapy or chemotherapy before or recently. It is possible that the use of this medicine, particularly in the long term, may increase the risk of developing secondary blood cancer.
Celkeran 5mg tablet can affect ovaries or sperm, which may lead to infertility. Inform your physician if you are planning for pregnancy before initiating the treatment. Avoid getting pregnant and breastfeeding during the treatment. Use effective contraception to avoid pregnancy. If your doctor has told you that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before you take these tablets.
Uses of Celkeran 5mg Tablet
Therapeutic Effects of Celkeran 5mg Tablet
Celkeran 5mg tablet is an aromatic nitrogen mustard derivative and alkylating agent that interferes with DNA replication. It also induces cellular apoptosis by accumulating protein cytosolic p53 and activating BAX, a cell death promoter. It works by reducing the number of abnormal cells your body makes.
Interaction of Celkeran 5mg Tablet with other drugs
Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vaccinations, nutritional and vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications interact with Celkeran 5mg tablet and reduce its effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.
More Information about Celkeran 5mg Tablet
How to consume Celkeran 5mg Tablet
It is an orally available prescription drug. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of Celkeran 5mg tablet based on the disease condition and other factors. Always take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Take the tablet daily on an empty stomach at least one hour before meals or three hours after meals. Do not break, chew, crush, or break the tablet. Swallow the whole tablet with water.
Safety Advices for Celkeran 5mg Tablet
Pregnancy
Do not take Celkeran 5mg tablet if you are pregnant because this may harm the unborn baby. Inform your physician if you are pregnant, suspecting, or planning to get pregnant during the treatment. Use effective contraception during the treatment.
Breast Feeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended in patients taking Celkeran 5mg tablet because the medicine passes into the breast milk in small amounts and may harm your baby. Do not breastfeed during the treatment.
Lungs
It is unknown whether Celkeran 5mg tablet is safe to be administered in patients with lung diseases. Inform your physician if you have any lung diseases before initiating the therapy.
Liver
It is unknown whether Celkeran 5mg tablet is safe to be administered in patients with liver diseases. Inform your physician if you have any liver diseases before initiating the therapy.
Alcohol
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Celkeran 5mg tablet. Please consult your doctor.
Driving
It is not known whether Celkeran 5mg tablet alters the ability to drive or operate heavy machinery. If you feel dizzy or sleepy, avoid driving and consult your doctor.
Side Effects of Celkeran 5mg Tablet
Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.
Common
- Anemia
- Decreased platelet count
- Decreased white blood cells
Serious
- Severe skin reactions
- Liver toxicity
- Hypersensitivity reaction
- Seizure
- Hallucinations
- Infertility
- Lung problems
Word of Advice
Inform your physician if you have bone marrow problems, head injury, type of infection, or a history of seizures. This medicine makes you bleed, bruise or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. If you vomit after taking the medicine, do not take an extra dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor. Your doctor may do lab tests to check the therapy's effectiveness or monitor the unwanted side effects.
FAQs
Q 1. What happens if Celkeran 5mg tablet is not refrigerated?
The stability and effectiveness of the tablets will reduce if it is not refrigerated properly. Store the tablet at 2°C and 8°C.
Q 2. Can Celkeran 5mg tablet be given on an empty stomach?
Take this medication on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double dose.
Q 3. Can Celkeran 5mg tablet cause bleeding?
Yes, Celkeran 5mg tablet can make you bleed or bruise. Take necessary precautions to prevent injury.
Q 4. Can Celkeran 5mg tablet cause anemia?
Since the precursors of these cells are rapidly dividing, they are targeted by Celkeran 5mg tablet. When the bone marrow is suppressed, one can develop anemia (decreased red blood cells).
Q 5. What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking Celkeran 5mg tablet?
Inform your physician about all your past medical and medication history, including over-the-counter medicines, and nutritional or vitamin supplements that you are taking.
Q 6. How long do I have to take Celkeran 5mg tablet?
The duration of your treatment depends on your disease condition and severity. Your doctor will decide your dose, and duration of your treatment.
Fact Box of Celkeran 5mg Tablet
Molecule name: Chlorambucil | Therapeutic class: Anti-cancer |
Pharmacological class: Alkylating agent | Indications: 1. Hodgkin's Lymphoma 2. Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. 3. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia 4. Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia |