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Lomustine (CCNU) is a chemotherapy used to treat tumours in the brain. It comes in capsule form. The dose prescribed may change at times due to different reasons. Your doctor or nurse will discuss this with you.
How to take Lomustine chemotherapy
Lomustine should be taken at bedtime on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal).
- First, take your anti sickness tablet then wait for 1 hour.
- Next, take your Lomustine capsule with some water (do not crush, open or chew the capsules, they must be taken whole).
- Then wait for at least 1 hour before taking any other medication, food or drink (small sips of water if needed in this time is acceptable).
Symptoms
If you vomit within 2 hours of taking the chemotherapy, please call the Hotline (0151 169 5555) immediately.
If you have any of the symptoms listed below, or if you are worried about something that is not listed here, please call the Hotline immediately. If you need urgent medical assistance, please call 999.
- Feeling generally unwell
- High temperature (greater than 37.5°C)
- Low temperature (lower than 36.0°C)
- Aching muscles/joints
- Cough
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Headaches
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Reduced oral intake
- Bleeding or bruising – any abnormal bruising or bleeding from any part of your body, or if you cut yourself and it does not stop bleeding.
Check your temperature twice every day with an ear thermometer. If you need to take paracetamol or ibuprofen you should check your temperature before you take these.
Patient Hotline phone number: 0800 169 5555
Neuro Oncology Specialist Nurse phone number (non urgent enquiries): 0151 556 5850
This information is produced by staff at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. It is not sponsored or influenced in any way.
We make every effort to ensure information is accurate and complete - we hope that it will add to any professional advice you have had. Information is based on evidence and accepted guidelines (where appropriate). We review and update it regularly. If you are worried about your health, please tell your clinical team.
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Issue date: April 2025
Issue number: 1.0
Reference: LQZLOMU
Review date: April 2028