Side Effects

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Along with their needed effects, medicines like lomustine can sometimes cause unwanted effects such as blood problems, loss of hair, and other side effects; these are described below. Also, because of the way these medicines act on the body, there is a chance that they might cause other unwanted effects that may not occur until months or years after the medicine is used. These delayed effects may include certain types of cancer, such as leukemia. Discuss these possible effects with your doctor.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

  1. Bleeding gums
  2. chest pain
  3. shortness of breath
  4. sore throat
  5. sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
  6. unusual bleeding or bruising
  7. unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

  1. Awkwardness
  2. black, tarry stools
  3. blood in the urine or stools
  4. confusion
  5. cough or hoarseness
  6. decrease in urination
  7. fever or chills
  8. lower back or side pain
  9. painful or difficult urination
  10. pale skin
  11. pinpoint red spots on the skin
  12. slurred speech
  13. swelling of the feet or lower legs
  14. troubled breathing with exertion
  15. unusual bleeding or bruising
  16. unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

  1. Abdominal or stomach pain or tenderness
  2. bone pain
  3. change in frequency of urination or amount of urine
  4. clay colored stools
  5. dark urine
  6. decreased appetite
  7. dizziness
  8. drowsiness
  9. dry mouth
  10. headache
  11. increased blood pressure
  12. increased thirst
  13. itching
  14. loss of appetite
  15. nausea or vomiting
  16. skin rash
  17. weight gain
  18. yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

  1. Darkening of the skin
  2. diarrhea

Incidence not known

  1. Blurred vision
  2. changes in patterns and rhythms of speech
  3. confusion about identity, place, and time
  4. decreased vision
  5. eye pain
  6. hair loss or thinning of the hair
  7. shakiness and unsteady walk
  8. swelling or inflammation of the mouth
  9. trouble with speaking
  10. unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
  11. unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.