Lomustine, often known by its brand name CCNU, is a type of chemotherapy drug used in cancer treatment. Let's simplify how it works:

Imagine your body as a bustling city where cells are constantly growing and dividing to keep everything running smoothly. Sometimes, though, some cells start growing uncontrollably, like weeds taking over a garden. This uncontrolled growth is what we call cancer.

Lomustine is like a superhero drug that targets these cancer cells. It belongs to a group of medications called alkylating agents. These agents work by damaging the DNA inside the cancer cells. Think of DNA as the instruction manual that tells cells how to grow and behave. By damaging this manual, Lomustine disrupts the cancer cells' ability to grow and multiply, essentially putting a stop sign in front of their rapid growth.

But here's the catch: Lomustine doesn't discriminate between cancer cells and healthy cells. It's like a powerful but somewhat reckless superhero that can cause collateral damage. That's why using Lomustine requires careful planning and monitoring by doctors.

Lomustine comes in the form of a pill that you take by mouth. After you swallow it, the medication travels through your bloodstream like a stealthy spy, seeking out cancer cells wherever they hide.

In essence, Lomustine works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, disrupting their ability to grow and multiply. This makes it an important tool in fighting certain types of cancer, but it also comes with potential side effects and risks that need to be carefully managed by healthcare professionals.

Have any queries, book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist

Lomustine is helpful in treating certain types of cancer. It's like a powerful tool that doctors use to fight cancer cells. Specifically, it's used for cancers like brain tumors, lymphoma, and lung cancer. When other treatments haven't worked, or when cancer comes back despite treatment, Lomustine can be an option to slow down the cancer's growth. It works by damaging the DNA inside cancer cells, which stops them from growing and spreading.

Visit our Research Division Doctors in Online Consults for more details.

If you miss a dose of Lomustine, it's important to talk to our doctor or healthcare provider right away. They can give you guidance on what to do next. Missing a dose might affect how well the medication works, so it's crucial to stay on track with your treatment plan. Don't try to make up for the missed dose on your own without consulting our healthcare provider, as they can advise you on the best course of action based on your specific situation.

Please book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist to know more about what happens if you miss the dose.

Like most medications, Lomustine can cause side effects. Here are some common ones :

1. **Nausea and vomiting**: You might feel sick to your stomach or throw up. Doctors can give you medications to help with this.

2. **Loss of appetite**: You might not feel like eating as much as usual.

3. **Fatigue**: You might feel more tired than usual.

4. **Hair loss**: Lomustine can cause hair thinning or loss, but it's usually temporary.

5. **Low blood cell counts**: Lomustine can affect your body's ability to make enough blood cells, which can lead to anemia, infections, or bleeding problems.

6. **Liver problems**: Some people may experience liver issues, which can cause symptoms like jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) or abdominal pain.

7. **Kidney problems**: Lomustine can affect kidney function in some cases, leading to changes in urine output or swelling in the legs or feet.

8. **Nerve damage**: Lomustine can sometimes cause tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.

These side effects can vary from person to person, and not everyone will experience them. It's essential to talk to our doctor about any concerns you have about potential side effects before starting Lomustine treatment. They can help you manage them or adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Have any queries, book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist

When taking Lomustine, it's crucial to be cautious about certain medications that may interact with it. Here are some types of medications that should be avoided or used with caution when taking Lomustine:

1. **Other chemotherapy drugs**: Using Lomustine with other chemotherapy medications may increase the risk of side effects or complications. Always inform our doctor about any other chemotherapy drugs you're taking.

2. **Bone marrow suppressants**: Medications that suppress bone marrow function, such as certain antibiotics or antiviral drugs, can increase the risk of low blood cell counts when used with Lomustine.

3. **Live vaccines**: Lomustine may weaken the immune system, so it's best to avoid live vaccines while taking this medication.

4. **Medications that affect liver function**: Lomustine is broken down by the liver, so using it with other medications that affect liver function may increase the risk of liver problems. our doctor will monitor your liver function closely if you're taking Lomustine with other drugs that affect the liver.

5. **Anticoagulants**: Lomustine can increase the risk of bleeding, so using it with anticoagulant medications like warfarin or heparin may further increase this risk.

6. **Certain antibiotics and antifungal medications**: Some antibiotics and antifungal drugs can interact with Lomustine, so it's essential to check with our doctor before taking them together.

Always inform our doctor about all the medications, supplements, or herbal products you're taking before starting Lomustine treatment. They can help determine if any interactions might occur and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

Have any queries, book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist

When using Lomustine, it's essential to consider safety precautions, especially concerning pregnancy and existing liver or kidney conditions.

1. **Pregnancy**: Lomustine can harm an unborn baby, so it's crucial to avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medication. If you're of childbearing age and sexually active, use effective contraception during treatment and discuss family planning with our doctor.

2. **Liver Damage**: Lomustine is broken down by the liver, so if you have liver problems, it's essential to inform our doctor. They can adjust your dosage or monitor your liver function closely during treatment to prevent further damage.

3. **Kidney Damage**: If you have kidney issues, our doctor needs to know, as Lomustine can affect kidney function. They may adjust your treatment plan accordingly and monitor your kidney function regularly to prevent complications.

Overall, always follow our doctor's advice and attend regular check-ups to ensure the safe and effective use of Lomustine. If you have any concerns or experience new symptoms while taking this medication, don't hesitate to consult our healthcare provider for guidance.

Have any queries, book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist