CeeNU (Lomustine)

CeeNU (Lomustine) Medication Information

Uses

CeeNU has been shown to be useful as a single agent in addition to other treatment modalities, or in established combination therapy with other approved chemotherapeutic agents in the following:

• Brain tumor
• Hodgkin’s disease

Dosage

There are oral capsules available in several different strengths:

• 10 mg
• 40 mg
• 100 mg

Side Effects

The most common side effects of CeeNU include:

• Hematologic toxicity
• Pulmonary toxicity
• Nausea/vomiting
• Hepatotoxicity
• Nephrotoxicity
• Stomatitis
• Alopecia
• Lethargy
• Ataxia 

Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for a full list of side effects that applies to you.

Precautions

In all instances where the use of CeeNU is considered for chemotherapy, the physician must evaluate the need and usefulness of the drug against the risks of toxic effects or adverse reactions. Most such adverse reactions are reversible if detected early. When such effects or reactions do occur, the drug should be reduced in dosage or discontinued and appropriate corrective measures should be taken according to the clinical judgment of the physician. Reinstitution of CeeNU therapy should be carried out with caution and with adequate consideration of the further need for the drug and alertness as to possible recurrence of toxicity.

CeeNU is carcinogenic in rats and mice, producing a marked increase in tumor incidence in doses approximating those employed clinically. Nitrosourea therapy does have carcinogenic potential in humans. CeeNU also affects fertility in male rats at doses somewhat higher than the human dose.

Interactions

Some of the common drug interactions with CeeNU:

• Chloramphenicol
• Clozapine
• Denosumab
• Fingolimod
• Leflunomide
• Ocrelizumab
• Vaccines

Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. 

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature (77ºF). 

Pharmacist Tips

• CeeNU is an anticancer drug and belongs to the group of medicines known as alkylating agents.
• there may be 2 or more different types and colors of capsules in the container dispensed by the pharmacist.
• Wear gloves when handling CeeNU Capsules.
• If any of the following reactions occur, notify the physician: fever, chills, sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, shortness of breath, dry cough, swelling of feet or lower legs, mental confusion, or yellowing of eyes and skin.

CeeNU FAQs

Can I take this if I am pregnant?

CeeNU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking (receiving) this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. Women of childbearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant.

Can I take this while breastfeeding?

It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from CeeNU, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

How is CeeNU given?

CeeNU is given as a single oral dose and will not be repeated for at least 6 weeks.

How long does the nausea/vomiting last?

Nausea and vomiting usually last less than 24 hours, although loss of appetite may last for several days.

How often should blood be monitored?

Due to delayed bone marrow suppression, blood counts should be monitored weekly for at least 6 weeks after a dose.

Can the capsules be opened?

Capsules should not be broken.

Related Drugs

• Gleostine
• Procarbazine
• Vincristine

Reference:

CeeNU {package insert}. Princeton, NJ: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; 2010.