Leukacel 500mg Tablet
Prescription RequiredProduct introduction
Leukacel 500mg Tablet is a medicine prescribed for the treatment of sickle cell disease. It helps reduce the frequency of painful crises and the need for blood transfusions. It is also used to treat certain types of cancer, including chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and head and neck cancers.
Leukacel 500mg Tablet may be taken with or without food. Take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medicine to stay well-hydrated. Regular follow-up visits and blood tests are necessary to monitor your response to the medicine and check for any side effects. Take folic acid supplements, if recommended by the doctor, as this medicine may reduce folate levels.
Common side effects of Leukacel 500mg Tablet include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and temporary hair loss. Some people may also experience low blood counts, leading to tiredness, infections, or easy bruising. If you notice fever, chills, unusual bleeding, or signs of infection, contact your doctor immediately. Staying well-hydrated and following your doctor’s advice can help reduce the risk of side effects.
Leukacel 500mg Tablet should be used with caution and only under medical supervision. It should be avoided during pregnancy unless clearly necessary, as it may harm the unborn baby. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception during treatment and for a period after stopping the drug. Men are also advised to use contraception during and after treatment, as the drug may affect sperm production.
Leukacel 500mg Tablet may not be suitable for people with severe bone marrow problems or significant liver or kidney disease. Avoid live vaccines during treatment and limit exposure to people who are sick. Always inform your doctor about any other medicines or supplements you are taking before starting Leukacel 500mg Tablet.
Uses of Leukacel Tablet
- Treatment of Head and neck cancer
- Treatment of Blood cancer (Chronic myeloid leukaemia)
- Treatment of Sickle cell disease
Benefits of Leukacel Tablet
In Treatment of Head and neck cancer
In patients with head and neck cancers, Leukacel 500mg Tablet is often used alongside radiation therapy to enhance its effectiveness. It sensitizes cancer cells to radiation, improving treatment outcomes and helping to shrink tumors more effectively. This combined approach helps reduce pain, difficulty swallowing, and other cancer-related symptoms, thereby improving speech, eating, and daily comfort during therapy.
In Treatment of Blood cancer (Chronic myeloid leukaemia)
Leukacel 500mg Tablet helps manage chronic myeloid leukemia by controlling the excessive production of abnormal white blood cells. Reducing high white blood cell counts helps ease symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, and spleen enlargement. This allows patients to feel more comfortable, lowers the risk of complications, and improves overall well-being.
In Treatment of Sickle cell disease
Leukacel 500mg Tablet reduces the frequency and severity of painful sickle cell crises. It increases fetal hemoglobin levels, helps red blood cells maintain a healthy shape, and reduces blockages in blood vessels. This results in fewer hospital visits, less pain, and better oxygen delivery throughout the body. This improves daily functioning and long-term quality of life for individuals with sickle cell disease.
Side effects of Leukacel Tablet
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Leukacel
- Hair loss
- Bone marrow depression
- Low blood platelets
- Skin rash
- Mucositis
- Decreased appetite
- Cholestasis
- Hepatitis (viral infection of liver)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth)
How to use Leukacel Tablet
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Leukacel 500mg Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Leukacel Tablet works
In cancer, hydroxyurea inhibits the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase, which plays a critical role in the synthesis of DNA by converting ribonucleotides into deoxyribonucleotides. This inhibition disrupts DNA synthesis, particularly in rapidly dividing cancer cells, resulting in cell cycle arrest and reduced tumor proliferation. In sickle cell disease, hydroxyurea increases the production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in red blood cells. Higher levels of HbF reduce the formation of sickled cells, improve red blood cell flexibility, enhance blood flow, and decrease the frequency of painful vaso-occlusive episodes and related complications.
Safety advice
Alcohol
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Leukacel 500mg Tablet. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Leukacel 500mg Tablet is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Leukacel 500mg Tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Driving
UNSAFE
Leukacel 500mg Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney
CAUTION
Leukacel 500mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Leukacel 500mg Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Regular monitoring of kidney function and some blood tests may be advised while taking this medicine.
Regular monitoring of kidney function and some blood tests may be advised while taking this medicine.
Liver
CAUTION
Leukacel 500mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Leukacel 500mg Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
What if you forget to take Leukacel Tablet?
If you miss a dose of Leukacel 500mg Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
All substitutes
For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
No substitutes found for this medicine
Quick tips
- Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Do not change the dose or stop taking Leukacel 500mg Tablet without your doctor’s advice, even if you feel better.
- Drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated while on treatment with Leukacel 500mg Tablet. This helps support kidney function and may reduce side effects.
- Routine monitoring is important to check your blood counts and ensure the medicine is working safely. Make sure to attend regular blood test appointments.
- Do not receive live vaccines while taking Leukacel 500mg Tablet, as your immune system may be weakened. Always check with your doctor before vaccination.
- Leukacel 500mg Tablet can harm an unborn baby. Both men and women should use reliable birth control during treatment and for a period after stopping the medicine (6 months for women, 1 year for men).
Fact Box
Chemical Class
Anti Metabolites, {Urea}
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
ANTI NEOPLASTICS
Action Class
Other Anticancer Agents
Patient concerns
FAQs
What is Leukacel 500mg Tablet used for?
Leukacel 500mg Tablet is used to prevent complications in people with sickle cell disease, as well as to treat certain cancers like chronic myeloid leukemia and head and neck cancers.
How does Leukacel 500mg Tablet help in sickle cell disease?
It increases the level of fetal hemoglobin (HbF), which helps red blood cells stay in a normal shape, improving blood flow and reducing painful sickle cell crises.
What side effects should I watch out for?
Common side effects include low blood counts, nausea, mouth sores, and skin or nail changes. Serious signs to report include fever, infections, unusual bleeding, or shortness of breath.
Can I take Leukacel 500mg Tablet during pregnancy or while trying to conceive?
No. Leukacel 500mg Tablet can harm an unborn baby and affect fertility. Use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months after (women) or 1 year after (men) stopping the medicine.
Do I need regular blood tests while on Leukacel 500mg Tablet?
Yes. Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor your blood cell counts and ensure the medicine is safe and effective for you.
How to get relief from diarrhea while on treatment with Leukacel 500mg Tablet?
Food items with soluble fiber can help relieve diarrhea as they help absorb excess fluid from the body. These food items include bananas (ripe), oranges, boiled potatoes, white rice, curd, and oatmeal. Diarrhea can cause dehydration in the body, so drink 8-10 glasses of water to avoid dehydration.
Does Leukacel 500mg Tablet cause hair loss?
Yes, while taking this medicine, your hair may become brittle and break. You may also experience patchy hair loss or thinning. These conditions tend to resolve once treatment is stopped. Be gentle when brushing and washing hair to manage hair loss.
I have noticed some changes in my skin after taking Leukacel 500mg Tablet? What should I do?
Use a moisturizer to get relief from rashes and dry and itchy skin. Avoid direct sunlight, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen (SPF of more than 15) whenever you step outdoors. Do not go swimming if you have a rash because the chlorine in the water can make it worse. Avoid hot water baths and wear loose cotton fabric clothes. Your skin will tend to improve once treatment is stopped.
How to relieve constipation during the treatment?
To relieve constipation, include fiber in your diet (fruits and vegetables), drink 8-10 glasses of fluids a day, and keep active. A stool softener (with a doctor's prescription) once or twice a day may prevent constipation. If you do not have a bowel movement for 2-3 days, consult your doctor.
What precautions should I take to reduce the chances of getting infected during treatment with Leukacel 500mg Tablet?
Since Leukacel 500mg Tablet lowers the number of white blood cells and platelets in your blood, it puts you at risk of getting an infection. To prevent infections, avoid people who have infections. Check with your doctor immediately if you think you may be getting an infection, or if you get a fever or chills.
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Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.References
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Marketer details
Name: Celon Laboratories Ltd
Address: Plot No 264, Patrika Nagar Madhapur, Hitech City Hyderabad, Telangana India - 500081
Country of origin: India
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