busulfan - injection, Busulfex

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GENERIC NAME: BUSULFAN - INJECTION (bue-SUL-fan)

BRAND NAME(S): Busulfex

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: This medication decreases bone marrow function, an effect that may lead to a low number of blood cells such as red cells, white cells, and platelets. This effect can cause anemia, decrease your body's ability to fight an infection, or cause you to bruise or bleed more easily. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms: signs of an infection (such as fever, chills, persistent sore throat), easy bruising/bleeding, pale skin, unusual tiredness.

Your doctor will monitor you closely while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and laboratory appointments.

USES: Busulfan is used as a pretreatment for patients who are undergoing stem cell transplant for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein over 2 hours by a health care professional. It is usually given every 6 hours or as directed by your doctor. While you receive busulfan, your doctor may also prescribe other medications to help prevent seizures and nausea/vomiting caused by the medication.Dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, laboratory test results, and response to treatment.

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section.Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, mouth sores, stomach/abdominal pain, dizziness, swelling ankles/feet/hand, flushing, headache, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Eating several small meals, not eating before treatment, or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects.Many people using this medication develop serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: signs of liver disease (such as persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing skin/eyes, dark urine), mental/mood changes (such as depression, hallucinations, anxiety, confusion), muscle cramps, increased thirst/urination, fast/irregular heartbeat, coughing up blood, bloody urine, seizures, pain/redness/swelling at injection site.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: fainting, missed menstrual periods, shrinking testicles.Busulfan has rarely caused very serious (possibly fatal) lung disease. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of lung disease, including chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent cough.Busulfan may cause other cancers (such as acute leukemia, tumors). Consult your doctor for more details. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any symptoms of cancer, including unusual lumps, sudden weight loss.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.