GENERIC NAME: BUSULFAN - ORAL (byou-SULL-fan)
BRAND NAME(S): Myleran
Warning | Medication Uses | Other Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
WARNING: Busulfan is FDA-approved only for treating chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). This medication can lower the body's ability to fight an infection or cancer, as well as prevent normal blood clotting. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, chills, persistent sore throat; easy bruising/bleeding, or unusual tiredness/fatigue. Blood tests (e.g., CBC, platelets) will be performed to monitor your progress. Your busulfan dose may need to be decreased or stopped. If your leukemia symptoms reoccur or worsen, notify your doctor immediately. Busulfan itself may infrequently cause cancer.
USES: Busulfan is used to treat leukemia (CML) when stem cell transplant is not an option. Busulfan works by stopping cancer cells from multiplying, but also affects some normal cells, such as bone marrow cells. Busulfan is not a cure, but can cause cancer remission.
OTHER USES: This medication may also be used to treat other disorders of the blood or bone marrow (e.g., myeloproliferative disorder, thrombocytosis, myelofibrosis); or to prepare for stem cell transplants in certain CML patients.
HOW TO USE: This medication is taken by mouth, usually once daily or as directed. Use this exactly as directed by your doctor. To minimize side effects, you may be given other medications (e.g., anti-nausea, anti-seizure agents) to take in addition to this drug. Follow all directions for the proper use of other medications; consult your doctor or pharmacist. Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, drink plenty of fluids while using busulfan or any other anti-cancer medication. Follow all instructions for proper use, handling, and safe disposal of this medication. If you have questions regarding busulfan, ask your doctor or pharmacist. When used without stem cell transplantation, busulfan may cause cancer remission within 2 months of starting treatment.
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.
Back to Medications Index
Interactive Slideshows