Lomustine is similar to the other chloroethyl-nitrosoureas molecules, after being metabolically degraded by the organism, with formation of various metabolites with antineoplastic activity, including a cation and a vinyl isocyanate. The last two are the entities responsible for the antitumor activity and toxicity expressed by the nitrosoureas.
What is Lomustine?
Lomustine is a chemotherapy drug which, as such, is used for the treatment of several cancers. Malignant tumors, for which this drug is administered, are:
- Brain tumors
- Breast cancer
- Hodgkin's disease
- Pancreatic cancer
- Lung cancer
- Melanoma
- Multiple myeloma
- Ovarian cancer
How should Lomustine be taken?
Lomustine is administered in the form of tablets for oral use. The tablets should be taken with plenty of water, preferably before going to bed or on an empty stomach. The capsules should always be taken at the time indicated by the doctor, according to his instructions.
Side effects associated with Lomustine
The most common side effects are:
- Temporary reduction in the production of blood cells by the bone marrow (leading to a significant increase in the risk of developing anemia, bruising, bleeding and infection)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Birth defects
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Weakness
- Bleeding
- Difficulty walking
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
Less common side effects are:
- Soreness of the mouth and altered taste
- Temporary changes in liver and kidney function
- Hair loss
- Impairment of pulmonary function
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Lomustine
The use of the drug is contraindicated for pregnant women or women who are in the process of planning a pregnancy, since it has been shown that Lomustine may cause serious damage to the development of the fetus. Particular attention should be paid to the interaction of Lomustine with acetylsalicylic acid since the latter possesses blood thinners that further increase the risk of bleeding.
