A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Common Uses: This medicine is an alkylating agent used to treat certain cancers. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
How to use this Medicine: Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. TRY TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE at the same time every day. DRINKING EXTRA FLUIDS while you are taking this medicine is recommended. Check with your doctor or nurse for instructions. IF NAUSEA, VOMITING, OR LOSS OF APPETITE OCCURS, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for ways to lessen these effects. STORE THIS MEDICINE in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C). IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE and you take 1 dose daily, take the missed dose if you remember the same day. Skip the missed dose if you do not remember until the next day. Do not take 2 doses at once.
CHLORAMBUCIL (klor-AM-byoo-sill)
Cautions: DO NOT EXCEED THE DOSE prescribed by your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE LOWERS YOUR RESISTANCE to infection. To prevent infection, avoid contact with people who have colds or other infections. Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first. THIS MEDICINE MAY REDUCE THE NUMBER OF BLOOD CELLS NEEDED FOR CLOTTING. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations where bruising or injury may occur. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE HAVING IMMUNIZATIONS (VACCINATIONS) while you are using this medicine. THE USE OF BIRTH CONTROL IS RECOMMENDED while you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS DRUG IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.