LOMUSTINE

Written By:P. Thirumal ReddyB. Pharm Reviewed By:Dr. Tejashwin AdigaMBBS

Last updated on 31 Mar 2026 | 09:31 AM (IST)

LOMUSTINE

Background and Date of approval LOMUSTINE

The U.S. FDA approved lomustine in 1976. This medicine belongs to a group of monoclonal antibody (a protein made from specific immune cells).

Uses of LOMUSTINE

It is mainly used to treat brain tumors (lumps formed from abnormal cells), lung tumors, Hodgkin’s disease (cancer of lymph system, a part of the immune system), and malignant melanoma (skin cancer).

How is LOMUSTINE administered?

The medicine will be administered to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. It is usually administered in the vein (intravenous). Your doctor will decide the dose, route of administration, and frequency based on your disease condition and other factors.

Side Effects of LOMUSTINE

The common side effects that are likely to be associated with Lomustine are nausea, vomiting, hair loss, delayed myelosuppression, sore and inflamed mouth. Inform your healthcare provider if any of these side effects are persisted.

Warnings

Inform your doctor if you are allergic to gluten or wheat. Talk to your physician if you have severe bone marrow depression, kidney disorders, intolerance to some sugars, or if you are receiving any vaccinations before taking Lomustine.

Precautions

Yellow fever vaccine and other live vaccines are contraindicated in patients with reduced immune function. Talk to your physician about all the medications you are taking recently, including supplements and herbal medicines, before taking Lomustine. Use effective birth control during the treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose.

Word of Advice

Lomustine can cause birth defects. Both men and women are advised to take effective contraceptives during lomustine therapy and for 6 months after treatment. Men should be informed about the risk for an irreversible infertility due to treatment with lomustine.Wear gloves while handling the capsules to minimize skin exposure. If you accidentally handled the broken capsules, wash areas of skin contact immediately and thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1.

What is Lomustine used for?

Lomustine is indicated to treat brain tumors, lung tumors, Hodgkin’s disease and malignant melanoma.

Q2.

What class of drug is Lomustine?

Lomustine belongs to the class of medications called alkylating agents.

Q3.

Who is contraindicated to take Lomustine?

Lomustine is not recommended to take if you have bone marrow and kidney disorders, intolerance to sugars, or if you are allergic to gluten or wheat, or if you receive any vaccinations before taking Lomustine.

Q4.

What happens if I overdose on Lomustine?

Overdose of Lomustine can cause bone marrow toxicity, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anoroxia, dizziness, cough, shortness of breath, abnormal liver function.

Q5.

Are there any potential or possible side effects of Lomustine?

Lomustine may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, delayed myelosuppression, sore and inflamed mouth. However, if these side effects worsen or persist, contact your physician immediately.

References

Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Cytotoxic agents, 12th edition, 2011, 1686.
KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Anticancer drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 861.
Medac, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [Revised on April 2020] [ Accessed on 12 Dec 2022], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1401/smpc
NextSource Biotechnology, LLC, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Jan 2016] [ Accessed on 12 Dec 2022], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/017588s042lbl.pdf

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.

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