Chemo Drugs

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Levamisole (Ergamisol)

What Does It Look Like?

Tablet

How Is It Given?

Oral (mouth)

Why Am I Taking It?

Levamisole is given in combination with the anti-cancer drug 5-FU to treat colon cancers. This combination therapy generally lasts one year.

What Side Effects May Occur?

You may experience some, all, or none of those listed. Most side effects do not last long. Tell the doctor or nurse about any that you notice. The information here does not include all possible side effects; others may occur. Please report any problems to your doctor.

Low Blood Counts

• Blood counts often don't drop much but tend to slowly decline with several months of treatment.
• Call your doctor with any signs of infection or bleeding when your counts are low to avoid situations where you might be exposed to people with infections.
• Your blood counts will be monitored during therapy.

Nausea, Vomiting, Appetite Loss, Diarrhea, Mouth Sores

• All of these may occur but generally are mild.
• Medications and changes in eating or drinking habits may help minimize these side effects.

Hair Loss

Not common, but if hair loss occurs it is temporary.

Skin Irritation

Your skin and nails may change. There may be redness, dryness, cracking, and peeling.

Special Notes

• You should be careful about drinking alcohol while you are taking Levamisole. When the two are taken together, they can cause extremely unpleasant symptoms, such as nausea, severe vomiting, headache, and breathing difficulties. You should avoid alcohol on the days you take Levamisole and for a few days afterward.
• Light headedness and fatigue have occasionally been reported.