Warning: Delayed Myelosuppression And Risk Of Overdosage
DELAYED MYELOSUPPRESSION
Lomustine causes myelosuppression including fatal myelosuppression. Myelosuppression is delayed, dose-related, and cumulative; occurring 4 to 6 weeks after drug administration and persisting for 1 to 2 weeks. Thrombocytopenia is generally more severe than leukopenia. Cumulative myelosuppression from lomustine is manifested by greater severity and longer duration of cytopenias. Monitor blood counts for at least 6 weeks after each dose. Do not give lomustine more frequently than every 6 weeks [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Dosage and Administration (2.2, 2.3)].
RISK OF OVERDOSAGE
PRESCRIBE, DISPENSE, AND ADMINISTER ONLY ENOUGH CAPSULES FOR ONE DOSE. Fatal toxicity occurs with overdosage of lomustine. Both physician and pharmacist should emphasize to the patient that only one dose of lomustine is taken every 6 weeks [see Dosage and Administration (2.1), Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Overdosage (10)].