LEVAMISOLE

Brand & Generic Names

Ergamisol

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Anticancer treatment adjunct

Uses

• Treats colorectal cancer when used in combination with fluorouracil.
• Treats malignant melanoma after surgical removal when there is no evidence of spread to organs other than the skin.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet: Swallow with liquid or food to lessen stomach irritation. If you can't swallow whole, crumble tablet and take with liquid or food.

When to take:
At the same time each day, according to instructions on prescription label.

If you forget a dose:
Don't take until you notify your doctor.

What drug does:
Acts to help restore the immune system. May activate T-cell lymphocytes and other white cells. Also elevates mood.

Time lapse before drug works:
1-1/2 to 2 hours.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
None expected.

WHAT TO DO:

Overdose unlikely to threaten life. If person takes much larger amount than prescribed, call doctor, poison-control center or hospital emergency room for instructions.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

Fever, muscle aches, Seek emergency treatment. headache, cough, hoarseness, sore throat, painful or difficult urination, low back or side pain.

Common:

• Diarrhea, metallic taste, nausea, joint or muscle pain, skin rash, insomnia, mental depression, nightmares, sleepiness or tiredness, increased dental problems.
• Hair loss.

Infrequent:

Mouth, tongue and lip sores.

Rare:

Unsteady gait while walking; blurred vision; confusion; tremors; tingling or numbness in hands, feet or face; seizures; smacking and puckering of lips; uncontrolled tongue movements.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
You are allergic to levamisole.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you take other drugs for cancer.
• If you have an active infection.
• If you have a seizure disorder.
• If you have allergies to other medications.

Over age 60:
No special problems expected.

Pregnancy:
Adequate studies not yet done. Consult your doctor.

Breast-feeding:
Delay breast feeding until you no longer take levamisole.

Infants & children:
Effect not documented. Consult your family doctor or pediatrician.

Prolonged use:
No special problems expected.

Skin & sunlight:
No special problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No special problems expected.

Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without consulting doctor. Dose may require gradual reduction if you have taken drug for a long time. Doses of other drugs may also require adjustment.

Others:

• Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult that you take this medicine.
• Defer dental treatments until your blood count is normal. Pay particular attention to dental hygiene. You may be subject to additional risk of oral infection, delayed healing and bleeding.
• Avoid aspirin. May increase risk of internal bleeding.
• Avoid constipation. May increase risk of internal bleeding.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME OR	COMBINED EFFECT
-------------------------	-----------------------
Anticoagulants*	Increased risk of bleeding.
Aspirin	Increased risk of bleeding.
Bone marrow	Increased risk of bone
depressants*	marrow depression.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	Increased risk of gastritis
	and internal bleeding.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	Increased risk of
	mental disturbances. Avoid.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.