LEUKERAN 2 MG 25 TB

Leukeran (chlorambucil) is an oral chemotherapy drug that belongs to the class of alkylating agents. It is primarily used in the treatment of certain cancers, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Hodgkin’s disease, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. Chlorambucil is an immunosuppressive drug that slows down or stops the growth of cancer cells by interfering with their DNA.

How It Works

Leukeran works by binding to and damaging the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and proliferating. Chlorambucil is an alkylating agent that attaches an alkyl group to the DNA, leading to cross-linking of DNA strands, which in turn prevents the cancer cells from replicating their genetic material. This process induces cell death (apoptosis) in rapidly dividing cancer cells.

Mechanism of Action:

1. DNA Alkylation: Chlorambucil works by alkylating the DNA bases, primarily guanine, causing breaks and cross-linkages between DNA strands, which interfere with the cell’s replication and repair mechanisms.
2. Inhibition of Cell Division: The drug’s action disrupts the cancer cells’ ability to divide, particularly affecting rapidly proliferating cells such as those found in cancers and the immune system.
3. Suppression of the Immune System: By targeting lymphocytes, chlorambucil also acts as an immunosuppressant, making it useful for treating conditions where immune suppression is needed, such as autoimmune disorders.

Side Effects

While Leukeran is effective in treating certain cancers, it also has side effects, many of which result from its action on rapidly dividing cells, both cancerous and healthy.

Common Side Effects:

• Bone Marrow Suppression: Leukeran can reduce the production of blood cells in the bone marrow, leading to a decrease in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Gastrointestinal upset is common with chemotherapy agents like chlorambucil.
• Fatigue: A general feeling of tiredness is a common side effect during cancer treatment.
• Diarrhea: Some patients may experience diarrhea as a gastrointestinal side effect.
• Mouth Sores: Inflammation and sores in the mouth (stomatitis) can occur.
• Fever: Due to bone marrow suppression, infections and fever may be more common.

Serious Side Effects:

• Increased Risk of Infections: Leukeran lowers white blood cell count, which can make the body more susceptible to infections.
• Secondary Malignancies: There is a risk of developing secondary cancers such as acute leukemia after long-term use of alkylating agents like chlorambucil.
• Hepatotoxicity: Leukeran may cause liver damage in some patients.
• Pulmonary Toxicity: Rarely, patients may develop lung complications such as interstitial pneumonitis or pulmonary fibrosis.

Indications

Leukeran is indicated for the treatment of several types of cancer and other medical conditions that involve rapid cell proliferation or overactive immune responses.

1. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL):
   • Leukeran is used as a first-line treatment for patients with CLL to reduce the number of white blood cells and slow the progression of the disease.
2. Hodgkin’s Disease:
   • Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, is treated with Leukeran in combination with other chemotherapy drugs.
3. Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphomas:
   • Leukeran is used in the treatment of certain forms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
4. Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia:
   • A rare type of cancer involving abnormal white blood cells (B-lymphocytes), treated with Leukeran to reduce the cancer cells.

Contraindications

There are specific conditions in which Leukeran should not be used due to safety concerns.

1. Hypersensitivity to Chlorambucil:
   • Patients who are allergic to chlorambucil or any other components of the drug should not use Leukeran.
2. Pregnancy:
   • Leukeran is contraindicated in pregnant women as it can cause harm to the fetus, including birth defects or miscarriage.
3. Breastfeeding:
   • Nursing mothers should not take Leukeran due to the potential risk to the infant, as the drug may pass into breast milk.
4. Severe Bone Marrow Suppression:
   • Leukeran is contraindicated in patients with severe bone marrow suppression, as the drug further reduces blood cell production.
5. Severe Liver Disease:
   • Patients with severe hepatic impairment should not use Leukeran as it can exacerbate liver dysfunction.

Price in Different Countries

  Below is a table showcasing the price of Leukeran 2 mg tablets in various countries. Please note that prices may vary depending on pharmacy, region, and insurance coverage.

Country	Price (Per Pack of 25 Tablets)	Reference
United States	$600 – $700	GoodRx
United Kingdom	£140 – £160	NHS
Australia	AUD $500 – $550	PBS Australia
India	INR ₹35,000 – ₹40,000	1MG
Canada	CAD $450 – $500	Canada Pharmacy

  Top 5 Global Brands The following pharmaceutical companies are some of the most reputable brands in the global oncology market, including the production of drugs like Leukeran.

1. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK):
   • The original manufacturer of Leukeran, GSK is a leading global pharmaceutical company specializing in oncology, vaccines, and immunology.
2. Pfizer:
   • Pfizer has a large oncology portfolio and is known for producing innovative cancer therapies for a range of cancers, including hematologic malignancies.
3. Roche:
   • Roche is one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, focusing on personalized cancer treatments and diagnostics.
4. Novartis:
   • Novartis specializes in developing breakthrough cancer treatments and is known for producing high-quality medications in the field of oncology.
5. Bristol Myers Squibb:
   • A leading global biopharmaceutical company, BMS focuses on developing innovative therapies in oncology, immunology, and hematology.