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Introduction About CELKERAN 5MG TABLET
CELKERAN 5MG TABLET contains Chlorambucil which belongs to a group of medicines called Antineoplastics. It is used for Hodgkin's disease and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system), Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (a type of white blood cell cancer where the bone marrow produces a large number of abnormal white cells). CELKERAN 5MG TABLET is also used for Waldenstrom's macroglobulinaemia (a rare lymphoma associated with an abnormal increase of B-cells, a type of white blood cell, resulting in the release of an abnormal protein into the blood).
CELKERAN 5MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients with liver, kidney disease and fits. CELKERAN 5MG TABLET is not recommended for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor before taking it.
CELKERAN 5MG TABLET should be used with caution in children and in elderly patients. Consult your doctor before taking it. The most common side effects of taking CELKERAN 5MG TABLET are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth ulcers (sores), fits in children with a kidney problem known as nephrotic syndrome. Contact your doctor if any of the above side effects worsen.
Uses Of CELKERAN 5MG TABLET
It is used for:
- Hodgkin's disease and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
- Waldenstrom's macroglobulinaemia
How CELKERAN 5MG TABLET Works
CELKERAN 5MG TABLET belongs to a group of medicines called alkylating agents which works by slowing or inhibiting the growth of cancer cells in the body.
How to use CELKERAN 5MG TABLET
Take CELKERAN 5MG TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow CELKERAN 5MG TABLET with a glass of water and do not chew or crush the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.
Side Effects Of CELKERAN 5MG TABLET
Common
- nausea, vomiting
- diarrhea
- mouth ulcers (sores)
- fits in children (nephrotic syndrome)
Uncommon
- Rash
Rare
- Allergy symptoms such as skin lumps, hives (urticaria) or swelling of the tissues (oedema)
- Fever
- Liver damage/injury (hepatotoxicity), yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
Stop taking CELKERAN 5MG TABLET and consult with your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Signs of fever or infection (sore throat, sore mouth or urinary problems)
- Any unexpected bruising or bleeding due to a decrease in a certain types of blood cells
- Suddenly feel unwell (even with a normal temperature)
- Feeling extremely tired
- Numbness or weakness of muscles
- Skin rash has been progressing to serious conditions called Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis causing skin rashes, skin peeling, blisters on the skin, sore mouth or eyes and fever
How To Manage Side Effects

Diarrhea
Drink lots of fluids, such as water or fruit juices to keep yourself hydrated. Do not take any medicine on your own for managing diarrhoea. Contact your doctor if your diarrhoea did not improve.

Nausea And Vomiting
Take this medicine with or just after a meal or a snack. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oily rich or spicy food. Contact your doctor if your nausea and vomiting did not improve.

Skin rash Or Itching
Avoid hot baths because hot water can irritate the skin further. Do not scratch the affected area. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while going outside. Use unscented moisturizers to soothe and hydrate the affected area. Contact your doctor if your rashes worsen.
Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy
ContraindicatedCELKERAN 5MG TABLET is not recommended for use in pregnant women or are planning for pregnancy. Contact your doctor before taking this medicine.

Breastfeeding
ContraindicatedCELKERAN 5MG TABLET is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it may pass through the breast milk. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Driving and Using Machines
Use with CautionThere is no information on the effects of CELKERAN 5MG TABLET on the ability to drive and use machines is available.

Kidney
Use with CautionCELKERAN 5MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease (nephrotic syndrome). Consult your doctor before taking it.

Liver
Use with CautionCELKERAN 5MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Allergy
ContraindicatedDo not take CELKERAN 5MG TABLET if you are allergic to Chlorambucil or any other ingredients of this medicine.

Use In Pediatrics
Consult your doctorYour doctor will give a right dose of CELKERAN 5MG TABLET depends on your child’s age, body weight and disease condition. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Use In Geriatrics
Use with CautionCELKERAN 5MG TABLET should be used with caution in elderly patients and may require dose adjustment. Consult your doctor before taking it.
Others
Before taking CELKERAN 5MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you:
- Have been recently vaccinated or planning to be vaccinated with a live vaccine
- Are scheduled for bone marrow transplantation
- Have had radiotherapy or chemotherapy, now or recently
- Ever had a fit or head trauma
- Have an intolerance to lactose or other sugars
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug Interactions:
Before taking CELKERAN 5MG TABLET, inform your doctor, if you are taking any of the following medicine:
- Live vaccines (Ex. oral polio vaccine, measles, mumps, rubella) (used to manage infections)
- medicine used for fever, pain and inflammation (Ex. phenylbutazone)
- Medicines used for cancer that affect blood, bone marrow and lymph nodes (Ex. fludarabine, pentostatin, cladribine)
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much of CELKERAN 5MG TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdose are reversible pancytopenia (decrease in red, white blood cells and platelets) and neurological effects include agitated behaviour, ataxia (problems with coordination) and fits.
Synopsis
Drug | : | Chlorambucil |
Pharmacological Category | : | Alkylating agents |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Hodgkin's disease and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia Waldenstrom's macroglobulinaemia |
Dosage Forms | : | Tablet |
More Information
- Keep CELKERAN 5MG TABLET out of reach in children
- Store CELKERAN 5MG TABLET 2-8°C
FAQs About CELKERAN 5MG TABLET
Q: How long can you take CELKERAN 5MG TABLET:
A: Take CELKERAN 5MG TABLET according to the doctor’s advice. It is usually taken once a day for 3 to 6 weeks, but sometimes may be taken intermittently, as a single dose once every 2 weeks or as a single dose once a month. Your doctor will advise you on how long you should continue to take CELKERAN 5MG TABLET.
Q: What if I forget to take a dose of CELKERAN 5MG TABLET?
A: If you have missed a dose of CELKERAN 5MG TABLET, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, you can skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose. Do not take double dose to make up for your missed one as this may increase the chances of having side effects.
Q: Is CELKERAN 5MG TABLET safe in pregnancy?
A: CELKERAN 5MG TABLET is not recommended for use in pregnant women or are planning for pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential should be advised to use a reliable form of contraception to avoid becoming pregnant if either you or your partner is taking CELKERAN 5MG TABLET.
Q: Can CELKERAN 5MG TABLET be taken with food?
A: Take CELKERAN 5MG TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water and do not chew or crush the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.
Q: Does CELKERAN 5MG TABLET cause fits?
A: Yes, CELKERAN 5MG TABLET may cause fits particularly in patients who have ever had fits or convulsions are at more risk of having fits when taking this medicine. Contact your doctor before taking it.
References
1. K.D Tripathi. Anticancer Drugs. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 860.
2. Bethesda (MD). Chlorambucil. NIH National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary. 2004. [Accessed on November 7th, 2023] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Chlorambucil
3. Bethesda (MD). Chlorambucil. LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. October 2017. [Accessed on November 7th, 2023] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548207/
4. EXCELLA GmbH & Co. KG. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in January 2017] [Accessed on November 7th, 2023] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4656.pdf
5. EXCELLA GmbH & Co. KG. Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). [Revised in January 2017] [Accessed on November 7th, 2023] https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/81f366e9-a0db-4d3b-b669-bb18ea255878.pdf
6. Chlorambucil tablet. DailyMed: National Library of Medicine: National Institute of Health. [Revised in August 2022] [Accessed on November 7th, 2023] https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=967ed3ff-d99b-41e8-b768-dfb586d3d9a6
7. Celkeran Tablet (Chlorambucil 2mg, 5mg). Celon Laboratories Ltd. [Accessed on November 7th, 2023] https://celonlabs.com/oncology-vivilon/
8. Drug bank. Chlorambucil. [Accessed on November 7th, 2023] https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00291
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Complete blood count
- Liver function test