Lomustine (CCNU)

Pronunciation: loe-MUS-teen
Generic Name: Lomustine (CCNU)
Brand Name: CeeNU

Lomustine (CCNU) is usually taken as a single dose only once every 6 weeks. Do NOT take a dose of Lomustine (CCNU) more than once within a 6-week period without first talking with your doctor.

Lomustine (CCNU) often decreases bone marrow function and lowers the number of white blood cells and platelets in your blood. This may increase your risk for severe infection or bleeding problems, especially if you already have bone marrow suppression. The risk is greater if you take Lomustine (CCNU) more often than once every 6 weeks, take it in high doses, or take it for a long period of time. Tell your doctor right away if you experience symptoms such as fever, chills or persistent sore throat, unusual bruising or bleeding, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

You will need to have blood tests every week for at least 6 weeks after each single dose of Lomustine (CCNU). Your doctor may change your dose of Lomustine (CCNU) based on these tests.

Lomustine (CCNU) is used for:

Treating certain types of cancer.

Lomustine (CCNU) is an alkylating agent used to treat cancer. It works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells.

Do NOT use Lomustine (CCNU) if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Lomustine (CCNU)


• you have taken a dose of Lomustine (CCNU) within the past 6 weeks, unless your doctor tells you otherwise


• you have used or will be using the medicine palifermin within 24 hours of using Lomustine (CCNU)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Lomustine (CCNU):

Some medical conditions may interact with Lomustine (CCNU). Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding


• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement


• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances


• if you have a history of bone marrow, heart, lung, breathing, liver, or kidney problems


• if you have a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection (eg, shingles, chickenpox)


• if you are undergoing radiation therapy

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Lomustine (CCNU). Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Cimetidine because the risk of serious bone marrow problems may be increased


• Palifermin because the risk of severe or prolonged mouth or tongue sores may be increased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Lomustine (CCNU) may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Lomustine (CCNU):

Use Lomustine (CCNU) as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Lomustine (CCNU) is usually taken as a single dose only once every 6 weeks. You may receive 2 or more types or colors of capsules. Be sure you understand exactly how much of Lomustine (CCNU) to take and how often you should take it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.


• Take Lomustine (CCNU) by mouth with or without food. Taking it on an empty stomach may reduce the risk of nausea and vomiting.


• Wear gloves when you handle Lomustine (CCNU) to decrease the risk of getting it on your skin or on other items. If skin contact occurs, wash the area thoroughly.


• If you miss a dose of Lomustine (CCNU), contact your doctor right away.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Lomustine (CCNU).

Important safety information:

• Do NOT take more than the prescribed dose or take Lomustine (CCNU) more often than once every 6 weeks without checking with your doctor. The risk of severe and sometimes fatal bone marrow problems may be greater if you take Lomustine (CCNU) in high doses or more often than once every 6 weeks.


• Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite are common with Lomustine (CCNU). Ask your doctor or pharmacist for ways to decrease these effects if they occur. Nausea and vomiting usually go away in less than 24 hours. Loss of appetite may last for several days.


• Lomustine (CCNU) may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.


• Lomustine (CCNU) may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. Avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have dark, tarry, or bloody stools.


• Talk with your doctor before you have any vaccines while you are taking Lomustine (CCNU).


• Long-term use of Lomustine (CCNU) may increase the risk of developing a second cancer. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.


• Lab tests, including liver, kidney, and lung function and complete blood cell counts, may be performed while you take Lomustine (CCNU) and for 6 weeks or more after you take your last dose. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.


• Use Lomustine (CCNU) with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.


• Caution is advised when using Lomustine (CCNU) in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially certain lung problems (pulmonary fibrosis).


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Lomustine (CCNU) has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of taking Lomustine (CCNU) while you are pregnant. It is not known if Lomustine (CCNU) is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Lomustine (CCNU).

Possible side effects of Lomustine (CCNU):

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Hair loss; loss of appetite; nausea; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; confusion or disorientation; decreased amount of urine; decreased coordination; dry cough; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; shortness of breath; sluggishness; swelling of feet or lower legs; swelling or sores of the mouth or tongue; symptoms of liver problems (eg, dark urine; pale stools; right-sided stomach pain; unusual loss of appetite, nausea, or tiredness; yellowing of the skin or eyes); trouble speaking; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision changes (eg, blindness).

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Lomustine (CCNU) side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center ( http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include cough; diarrhea; dizziness; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; loss of appetite; severe or persistent vomiting; shortness of breath; sluggishness; stomach pain; symptoms of liver problems (eg, dark urine; pale stools; right-sided stomach pain; unusual loss of appetite, nausea, or tiredness; yellowing of the skin or eyes); unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness.

Proper storage of Lomustine (CCNU):

Store Lomustine (CCNU) at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Avoid temperatures higher than 104 degrees F (40 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Lomustine (CCNU) out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Lomustine (CCNU), please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Lomustine (CCNU) is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Lomustine (CCNU). If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Lomustine (CCNU) resources

• Lomustine (CCNU) Side Effects (in more detail)
• Lomustine (CCNU) Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Lomustine (CCNU) Drug Interactions
• Lomustine (CCNU) Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Lomustine (CCNU) - Add your own review/rating

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Nalfrx Suspension

Pronunciation: DEX-klor-fen-IR-a-meen/SOO-doe-e-FED-rin/pir-IL-a-meen
Generic Name: Dexchlorpheniramine/Pseudoephedrine/Pyrilamine
Brand Name: Nalfrx

Nalfrx Suspension is used for:

Relieving symptoms of sinus congestion, pressure, runny nose, and sneezing due to colds, upper respiratory infections, and allergies. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Nalfrx Suspension is an antihistamine and decongestant combination. The antihistamines work by blocking the action of histamine, which helps reduce symptoms such as watery eyes and sneezing. The decongestant promotes sinus and nasal drainage, which relieves congestion and pressure.

Do NOT use Nalfrx Suspension if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Nalfrx Suspension


• you have severe high blood pressure, severe heart blood vessel disease, rapid heartbeat, or severe heart problems


• you are unable to urinate or are having an asthma attack


• you take droxidopa, sodium oxybate (GHB), or if you have taken furazolidone or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine) within the last 14 days

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Nalfrx Suspension:

Some medical conditions may interact with Nalfrx Suspension. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding


• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement


• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances


• if you have a history of adrenal gland problems (eg, adrenal gland tumor); heart problems (eg, cor pulmonale; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; heart disease); high blood pressure; diabetes; blood vessel problems; stroke; glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye; seizures; or thyroid problems


• if you have a history of asthma or other breathing problems, chronic cough, lung problems (eg, chronic bronchitis, emphysema), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or sleep apnea


• if you have a blockage of your bladder, stomach, or bowels; ulcers; trouble sleeping; trouble urinating; or an enlarged prostate or other prostate problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Nalfrx Suspension. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Digoxin or droxidopa because the risk of irregular heartbeat or heart attack may be increased


• Beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), furazolidone, linezolid, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), sodium oxybate (GHB), tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline), or urinary alkalinizers (eg, sodium bicarbonate) because they may increase the risk of Nalfrx Suspension's side effects


• Bromocriptine or hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Nalfrx Suspension


• Guanadrel, guanethidine, mecamylamine, methyldopa, or reserpine because their effectiveness may be decreased by Nalfrx Suspension

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Nalfrx Suspension may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Nalfrx Suspension:

Use Nalfrx Suspension as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions

• Take Nalfrx Suspension by mouth with or without food.


• Shake well before each use.


• Use a measuring device marked for medicine dosing. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure your dose.


• If you miss a dose of Nalfrx Suspension and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Nalfrx Suspension.

Important safety information:

• Nalfrx Suspension may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Nalfrx Suspension with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.


• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Nalfrx Suspension; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.


• Do not take diet or appetite control medicines while you are taking Nalfrx Suspension without checking with your doctor.


• Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has a decongestant or antihistamine in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.


• Do NOT take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.


• If your symptoms do not get better within 5 to 7 days or if they get worse, check with your doctor.


• Nalfrx Suspension may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Nalfrx Suspension. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.


• Nalfrx Suspension may interfere with skin allergy tests. If you are scheduled for a skin test, talk to your doctor. You may need to stop taking Nalfrx Suspension for a few days before the tests.


• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Nalfrx Suspension before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.


• Use Nalfrx Suspension with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, excitability, low blood pressure, and trouble urinating.


• Caution is advised when using Nalfrx Suspension in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially excitability.


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Nalfrx Suspension while you are pregnant. Nalfrx Suspension may be found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Nalfrx Suspension.

Possible side effects of Nalfrx Suspension:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth, nose, or throat; excitability; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness or anxiety; trouble sleeping; upset stomach; vomiting; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision or other vision changes; difficulty urinating or inability to urinate; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; hallucinations; mood or mental changes; persistent trouble sleeping; restlessness; seizures; severe dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, or headache; tremor.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Nalfrx side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include blurred vision; confusion; hallucinations; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or headache; severe drowsiness; unusually fast, slow, or irregular breathing; unusually fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; vomiting.

Proper storage of Nalfrx Suspension:

Store Nalfrx Suspension at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Nalfrx Suspension out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Nalfrx Suspension, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Nalfrx Suspension is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Nalfrx Suspension. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Nalfrx resources

• Nalfrx Side Effects (in more detail)
• Nalfrx Support Group
• 0 Reviews · Be the first to review/rate this drug