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Treatment and the treatment process

Leukemia + epilepsy

With epilepsy, interactions with seizure medicines get special attention during leukaemia treatment.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Calm brain waves
Figure 1.Calm brain waves — Leukemia + epilepsy

01Short answer

Some epilepsy medicines change liver enzymes and affect the level of leukaemia medicines, and the other way round. Vomiting can stop you keeping a seizure medicine down, while poor sleep, fever and low sodium can raise seizure risk. The neurologist and haematologist should review medicines together.

02Simple explanation

Tell both doctors. Your haematologist and your neurology doctor.

Medicine list. Bring it to every visit.

Your own medicines. Do not stop them unless told.

Symptoms. Report changes early.

03Scientific explanation

Enzyme induction: some seizure medicines speed up the breakdown of other medicines.

Seizure threshold: fever, poor sleep and electrolyte shifts can make seizures easier to trigger.

04What happens in the body?

Epilepsy and leukaemia

People with epilepsy can receive leukaemia treatment; the plan is simply adjusted.

What may change

Treatment and epilepsy can affect each other, so check-ups may be more frequent.

A weekly pill organiser
Figure 2.A weekly pill organiser.

Two teams together

When your haematologist and neurology doctor share information, treatment is safer.

A safe room
Figure 3.A safe room — Leukemia + epilepsy

05Treatment with epilepsy

Four steps.

Tell — Both doctors.1TellBoth doctors.
List — Medicines.2ListMedicines.
Checks — As planned.3ChecksAs planned.
Symptoms — Report early.4SymptomsReport early.

06What to watch for

SignWhat it may beWhat to do
Vomiting, cannot keep medicine downMissed medicineCall your team
More frequent seizuresLevel or triggerTell your team and neurologist
Long seizureEmergency103/112

07Key terms

Seizure
A sudden electrical burst in the brain.
Neurologist
A nervous system doctor.
Haematologist
Doctor for blood diseases.
Medicine list
All medicines and supplements.

08Key points

  • Inform both doctors.
  • Keep your medicine list updated.
  • Do not stop your own medicines yourself.
  • Ask before any new medicine.
  • For food, see the general rules (“Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”).
  • Keep your check-ups.

09Frequently asked questions

Will my seizure medicine change?

Sometimes; the neurologist decides with the haematologist.

Is leukaemia treatment possible?

Often yes; the plan may be adjusted.

Should I keep my own medicines?

Yes, unless a doctor says otherwise.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Will my seizure medicine change?

  2. Is leukaemia treatment possible?

  3. Should I keep my own medicines?

My questions

12Sources

  1. MedlinePlus. Epilepsy
  2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Drug Interactions: What You Should Know
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
  4. NHS. Stem cell and bone marrow transplants
  5. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Peripherally inserted central catheter - dressing change
  6. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Histocompatibility antigen test
  7. American Cancer Society. Neutropenia (Low White Blood Cell Counts)
  8. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Sepsis
  9. American Cancer Society. Immunotherapy for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
  10. Journal of Clinical Oncology (ASCO and IDSA), 2018. Outpatient Management of Fever and Neutropenia in Adults Treated for Malignancy: ASCO and IDSA Clinical Practice Guideline Update
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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