Levamisole

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About This Drug

Levamisole is used to treat cancer. This drug is given orally.

Possible Side Effects

• Bone marrow depression. This is a decrease in the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Bone marrow depression usually occurs three to 10 days after the drug is given and may increase your risk of infection, fatigue, and bleeding.
• Raised, red rash on your arms, legs, back, or chest
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Bitter taste in the mouth
• Decreased appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Irritability
• Sexual problems and reproduction concerns may occur. In men and women both, this drug may temporarily or permanently affect your ability to have children. This cannot be determined before your therapy. In men, this drug may interfere with your ability to make sperm, but it should not change your ability to have sexual relations. In women, menstrual bleeding may become irregular or stop while you are receiving this drug. Do not assume that you cannot become pregnant if you do not have a menstrual period. Women may experience signs of menopause like vaginal dryness or itching.
• This drug may have harmful effects on the unborn child, so effective methods of birth control should be used during your cancer treatment.
• genetic counseling is available to you to discuss the effect of this drug therapy on future pregnancies. In addition, a genetic counselor can review the potential risks of problems in the fetus due to this medication if an exposure during pregnancy has occurred.

Treating Side Effects

• Ask your doctor or nurse about medication that is available to help you prevent or lessen nausea and vomiting.
• Do not put anything on your rash unless your doctor or nurse says you may. Keep the area around the rash clean and dry.
• Use effective methods of birth control during your cancer treatment.
• Vaginal lubricants can be used to lessen vaginal dryness, itching, and pain during sexual relations.
• Speak with your doctor or nurse if you plan to have children. Ask for information on sperm or egg banking.
• Talk with your doctor or nurse if you feel you need help with your mood (irritability.

Food and Drug Interactions

There are no known interactions of levamisole and any food. Do not drink alcohol while taking this drug. This drug may interact with other medications. Tell your doctor and pharmacist all the medications that you are currently taking.

When to Call the Doctor

Call your doctor or nurse immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Fever of 100.5 F (38 C) or above
• Chills
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Vomiting more than twice in one day

Call your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Abdominal cramping
• Drowsiness that interferes with normal activities
• Rash that is bothersome
• Nausea unrelieved by medication
• Persistent loss of appetite or rapid weight loss of five pounds in one week