Celkeran 5 mg (Chlorambucil)
Celkeran 5 mg contains chlorambucil, an oral alkylating chemotherapy agent used primarily in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and selected lymphomas. Chlorambucil works by cross-linking DNA strands, preventing cancer cells from dividing and promoting cell death. It remains a useful option in certain patient groups, especially where tolerability and oral administration are priorities.
Celkeran is a prescription cytotoxic medicine and must be used under the care of a haematologist/oncologist with appropriate monitoring for blood counts and organ function.
Product introduction
Chlorambucil is one of the older alkylating agents in hematology oncology. It is given orally and has a long history of use in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), some low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphomas and as palliative therapy in selected solid tumours. Its oral route and ease of administration often make it suitable for outpatient management and for patients who cannot tolerate more intensive regimens.
Choice of chlorambucil, dose and schedule depends on disease stage, patient age, comorbidities and availability of alternative targeted or immunotherapy options. Modern practice may favour targeted agents in many settings, but chlorambucil still has a role in resource-limited or specific clinical scenarios.
Uses of Celkeran 5 mg (Chlorambucil)
Common indications include:
- Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) — especially in older or frail patients and certain maintenance approaches
- Low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma (indolent lymphomas) — palliative or disease-control settings
- Some specialist protocols for autoimmune haematologic conditions (off-label, specialist-directed)
- Occasional role as part of combination regimens where indicated by the treating haematologist
Note: Treatment must be individualised. Many modern regimens now include targeted agents (BTK inhibitors, BCL2 inhibitors) which may replace or complement alkylators; discuss options with your haematology team.
Benefits of Celkeran 5 mg (Chlorambucil)
Benefits of chlorambucil therapy include:
- Oral administration allows outpatient treatment and convenience for long-term disease control.
- Simpler monitoring compared with intensive IV chemotherapy in selected patients.
- Effective disease control in many patients with indolent lymphoid malignancies.
- Lower acute toxicity relative to some aggressive regimens, making it suitable for older or frailer patients.
In Treatment of Worm infections
Important: Chlorambucil is not an antiparasitic or anthelmintic — it does not treat worm infections. This heading is included to match your page structure.
Side effects of Celkeran 5 mg (Chlorambucil)
Chlorambucil has a well-documented adverse-effect profile centred on bone marrow suppression and long-term risks associated with alkylating agents.
Common side effects
- Low blood counts (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anaemia)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Fatigue
- Mouth soreness
- Skin rash and photosensitivity
Serious and long-term risks: profound bone marrow suppression with infection or bleeding risk, prolonged cytopenias, infertility (both sexes), secondary malignancies (therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukaemia), severe hepatic or renal toxicity in rare cases. Seek urgent medical attention for fever, bleeding, severe fatigue, sudden bruising or signs of infection.
How to use Celkeran 5 mg (Chlorambucil)
- Take chlorambucil exactly as prescribed by your haematologist.
- Typical dosing is variable — common schedules include daily low-dose or intermittent higher-dose cycles (for example, 0.1–0.2 mg/kg daily or defined mg/day for several days followed by rest). The treating specialist will select a regimen tailored to the patient.
- Swallow tablets with water; do not crush unless instructed.
- Take at the same time each day where applicable.
- Do not stop treatment without consulting your treating team — dose adjustments or temporary interruptions may be necessary for toxicity.
Regular blood tests (CBC), liver and renal function tests are essential prior to and during treatment. Monitor closely for infections or bleeding.
How Celkeran 5 mg (Chlorambucil) works
Chlorambucil is an alkylating agent that attaches alkyl groups to DNA, producing cross-links and miscoding that impede DNA replication and transcription. Cells that are rapidly dividing — such as malignant lymphocytes — are particularly susceptible, resulting in cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. Because alkylation affects DNA broadly, chlorambucil can also damage normal rapidly dividing tissues — hence the need for careful monitoring.
Safety advice
| Pregnancy | Contraindicated — chlorambucil is teratogenic and can cause fetal harm. Women of childbearing potential must use contraception and avoid pregnancy during and for an advised period after treatment. |
| Breastfeeding | Not recommended — cytotoxic drugs may pass into breastmilk. |
| Fertility | May cause infertility in both men and women. Consider fertility preservation counselling prior to treatment. |
| Infections | High risk when neutropenic — contact your healthcare team immediately for fever or signs of infection. |
| Vaccination | Avoid live vaccines during and after cytotoxic therapy; inactivated vaccines should be discussed with your clinician. |
| Drug interactions | Chlorambucil may interact with warfarin, allopurinol, and other agents affecting marrow function — provide a full medication list to your treating team. |
| Liver & kidney disease | Dose modification may be necessary in organ impairment; monitor LFTs and renal function. |
What if you forget to take Celkeran 5 mg?
If you miss a dose, follow the clinic’s guidance or the instructions given with your prescription:
- In many regimens, take the missed dose as soon as remembered if within the same day — otherwise skip and continue the next scheduled dose.
- Do not double doses to compensate for missed tablets.
- Inform your haematology nurse if multiple doses are missed — cycle timing may need adjustment.
All substitutes
Alternatives depend on diagnosis and patient factors:
- Fludarabine, bendamustine, or chlorambucil-based combination therapies in CLL (choice depends on fitness and molecular markers)
- Targeted agents (ibrutinib, acalabrutinib, venetoclax) increasingly preferred in many CLL settings
- Other alkylators such as cyclophosphamide in certain protocols
Selection of alternatives should be guided by a haematologist and informed by molecular testing and comorbidities.
Quick tips
- Carry a treatment card listing your medication and emergency contacts.
- Avoid crowds and close contact with sick people while neutropenic.
- Report fever (≥38°C), severe cough, difficulty breathing, unusual bruising or bleeding immediately.
- Use contraception during and for a period after treatment as advised by your clinician.
- Store tablets as instructed and keep out of reach of children.
Fact Box
| Generic name | Chlorambucil |
| Brand | Celkeran 5 mg |
| Drug class | Alkylating agent (nitrogen mustard analogue) |
| Form | Oral tablet (5 mg) |
| Typical use | Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), indolent lymphomas — clinician-directed |
| Prescription | Required — haematology/oncology specialist |
Patient concerns
Will Celkeran cure my disease? In indolent lymphoid malignancies, chlorambucil may control disease and improve symptoms; cure depends on disease type, stage and available therapies. Discuss realistic goals with your specialist.
How will I be monitored? Expect frequent blood counts, liver and kidney tests and clinic reviews — monitoring is essential to detect cytopenias and organ toxicity early.
User feedback
Many patients appreciate the convenience of oral therapy and the generally manageable acute side-effect profile compared with aggressive IV regimens. However, long-term risks such as marrow suppression and possible secondary cancers are important considerations discussed by clinicians before starting therapy.
Are you currently taking Celkeran 5 mg (Chlorambucil)? Please discuss any side effects or concerns with your haematology team — do not stop treatment without medical advice.
FAQs
Can I take Celkeran with other medicines?
Only under specialist instruction. Many medicines interact with cytotoxic therapy — always inform your haematology team about all prescription, OTC and herbal medicines.
Do I need fertility counselling before treatment?
Yes — chlorambucil can impair fertility. Discuss sperm or egg preservation options before starting therapy if applicable.
How long will treatment last?
Duration varies: treatment may be given as intermittent cycles or continuous low-dose regimens depending on disease control and tolerability. Your specialist will advise the expected course.
How should I store Celkeran?
Store at room temperature, protected from moisture and light. Keep out of reach of children and do not use after the expiry date.
Related products
- Fludarabine — alternative in certain CLL regimens
- Bendamustine — used for indolent lymphoma and CLL in some settings
- Targeted agents — e.g., ibrutinib, venetoclax (specialist-directed)
- View all oncology medicines
Want to share the information?
Share this page to help patients and caregivers understand chlorambucil therapy and safe use.
Disclaimer:
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace specialist haematology/oncology advice. Celkeran (chlorambucil) must be prescribed and monitored by qualified clinicians. Do not self-medicate.
References
- Haematology oncology treatment guidelines and specialist literature
- Pharmacology and long-term safety literature for alkylating agents
Marketer details
genericurerx — support@genericurerx.com — www.genericurerx.com
In case of any issues, contact us
For order support use live chat or our contact page. For medical concerns contact your haematology/oncology team immediately.
Lab tests offered by us
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential
- Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
- Renal profile
- Fertility preservation counselling referral
- Infection screening where clinically indicated
Additional offers
Patient support services, treatment coordination and prescription verification available on request. Use code GLOBAL10 where eligible for first-order discounts.
What are you using this medicine for?
Select at checkout so our pharmacy team can provide personalised counselling and support.
Know Us
Specialist hematology & oncology pharmacy with global delivery and clinical support services.
Our Policies
Prescription verification • Secure packaging • Patient privacy protected
Our Services
Worldwide shipping • Oncology pharmacist support • Lab test coordination
Connect
Follow us for oncology treatment updates and patient resources.
Social Links
Facebook • Twitter • LinkedIn • Instagram
Want daily dose of health?
Subscribe for verified oncology updates and patient resources.
Reliable
Certified oncology medicines from trusted manufacturers.
Secure
Encrypted checkout and discreet, compliant shipping.
Affordable
Competitive pricing with patient-support programmes in selected regions.
Know more about genericurerx.com
Access verified haematology & oncology information
Order medicines online
Order Celkeran 5 mg — Request prescription verification


Reviews
There are no reviews yet.