L-PAM
L-PAM is in a class of drugs known as alkylating agents; it slows or stops the growth
of cancer cells in your body. The length of treatment depends on the types of drugs you
are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you have.
L-PAM is used to treat:
- multiple myeloma
- ovarian carcinoma
- breast cancer
- polycythemia vera
- amyloidosis
- scleromyxedema
- chronic myelogenous leukemia
- osteogenic sarcoma
- advanced prostatic carcinoma
- testicular seminoma
Side effects of L-PAM
Temporary reduction in the production of blood cells by the bone marrow.
This can result in anaemia, risk of bruising or bleeding and infection. The numbers of
blood cells in your blood may begin to reduce from about seven days after the treatment
has been given and usually reach their lowest point at 10-14 days after the chemotherapy.
The numbers of blood cells will then increase steadily and will usually return to normal
within 21-28 days.
The extent to which your blood cells are reduced depends on the dose of chemotherapy
you have and which other chemotherapy drugs, if any, are given in combination.
Your doctor can advise you how likely it is that your blood cells will be lowered by
the chemotherapy. Your blood will be checked regularly to see how well your bone marrow is
working.
If your temperature goes above 38°C (100.5°F), or you develop any unexplained
bruising or bleeding, or you suddenly feel unwell, even with a normal temperature, contact
your doctor or the hospital straight away.
Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting. There are now very effective
anti-sickness drugs to prevent or greatly reduce nausea and vomiting. If you do feel sick
it may begin soon after the treatment is given and last for up to a few days. If the
sickness is not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor. They can prescribe other
anti-sickness drugs.
Tiredness and a general feeling of weakness. It is important to allow
yourself plenty of time to rest.
Less common side effects of L-PAM
Sore mouth and taste change. Your mouth may become sore, or you may
notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids and cleaning your
teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush can help to reduce the risk of this
happening. Tell your doctor if you do have any of these problems as they can prescribe
special mouthwashes and medicine to prevent or clear any mouth infection.
You may notice that your food tastes different. Normal taste will come back after the
treatment finishes.
Diarrhoea. This can usually be easily controlled with medicine but let
your doctor know if it is severe or continues. It is important to drink plenty of fluids
if you do get diarrhoea.
Hair loss. This does not usually happen with L-PAM tablets, but does
happen with high dose intravenous treatment. Hair may thin, or occasionally be lost
completely. If this happens, it usually begins about 3-4 weeks after starting treatment,
although it may occur earlier. You may also have thinning and loss of eyelashes, eyebrows
and other body hair. This is temporary, and the hair will regrow once the treatment is
finished. CancerBACUP's booklet Coping with hair loss contains more information.
Skin changes. L-PAM can cause a rash, which may be itchy. Your doctor
can prescribe medicine to help with this.
Allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction include skin rashes
and itching, a high temperature, shivering, redness of the face, a feeling of dizziness,
headache, breathlessness, anxiety and a need to pass urine. You will be monitored for any
signs of an allergic reaction during the treatment. Tell your doctor or nurse if you have
any of these.
Changes to the lungs. L-PAM may cause some changes to the lung tissue.
Tell your doctor if you notice any cough or breathlessness.
Possibility of leukaemia. With long-term use of this drug there is a
very small risk of developing leukaemia after many years. After treatment you will have
regular blood tests which will detect any early leukaemic changes if they do occur. |