Busulfan (By injection)
bue-SUL-fan
Treats certain kinds of leukemia and prepares the body for a stem cell transplant.
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Busulfan injection is used in combination with cyclophosphamide as a conditioning regimen prior to allogeneic hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation for treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia.
Busulfan belongs to the group of medicines known as alkylating agents. It seems to act by interfering with the function of the bone marrow. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by busulfan, other effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects may not be serious but may cause concern. Some effects may not occur for months or years after the medicine is used.
Before you begin treatment with busulfan, you and your doctor should talk about the benefits this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
This medicine is very strong. Make sure you understand why you are receiving it and the risks and benefits of treatment.
You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or chemotherapy treatment center.
Your medicine will be given through a tube called a central venous catheter that is put into your chest.
Before you receive busulfan, you will be given medicines to help prevent vomiting and other side effects.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Tell your doctor all other medicines you are taking or have taken within the week before you receive busulfan.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to busulfan.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Tell your doctor if you had a seizure or head injury, or if you have ever received radiation treatments, other stem cell transplants, or other types of chemotherapy.
Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular times during your treatment.
Busulfan lowers your body’s ability to fight infection. Avoid anyone who has a cold or other infection.
Busulfan may increase your risk for other types of cancer or a recurrence of leukemia.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Back pain
Sores or ulcers on your lips or in your mouth
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Change in menstrual periods
Loss of appetite or stomach pain
Trouble sleeping
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Busulfex, Novaplus Busulfex
There may be other brand names for this medicine.