GENERIC NAME: CARMUSTINE - INJECTION (kar-MUST-een)

BRAND NAME(S): BiCNU

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

WARNING: Carmustine has caused severe, even fatal, lung problems (pulmonary toxicity) and severe blood disorders (e.g., bone marrow suppression). Pulmonary toxicity may not be seen until years after this medication has been used. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop easy bruising or bleeding, breathing problems, an infection with symptoms such as persistent fever, sore throat, chills or unusual fatigue. The chances of developing these problems increase as more of this drug is used. A history of lung problems also increases the chance of pulmonary toxicity. Your doctor will monitor your blood cells for at least 6 weeks after a dose is given. Future doses may be adjusted accordingly. Doses must not be given more frequently than every 6 weeks.

USES: Carmustine is used to treat various cancers, Hodgkin's disease or tumors.

HOW TO USE: This medication is administered by infusion into a vein over a 1-2 hour period. The dose and frequency of use of this medication will be determined in part by your condition and your response to previous therapy. Follow your doctor's instructions closely and be sure to ask any questions you may have about this therapy.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, dizziness, flushing or irritation at the injection site may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor promptly. Notify your doctor if you develop: mouth sores, easy bruising or bleeding, weakness, skin rash, itching, flu-like symptoms (fever, chills), breathing trouble, coughing, vision changes, chest pain, fast heartbeat. This medication affects your blood cells reducing your ability to fight off infections. Notify your doctor if you develop any signs of an infection (fever, chills). If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Cancer - Learn about cancer types, disease statistics, facts, and survival rates, and get information about how malignant tumors (cancerous growths) metastasize or spread. Source:Government Hodgkin's Disease - Find out more about Hodgkin's disease, a cancer of the lymphatic system with symptoms that include unexplained, recurring fevers, unexplained weight loss, itchy skin, and painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, and groin. Treatment for adult Hodgkin's disease depends on the staging of the disease, the lymph nodes' size, and the health of the patient. Source:Government Read 13 more carmustine-injection related articles ... So Much to Do, So Little Sleep Head Injuries All Too Common in Summer Play Health Tip: The Word on Wisdom Teeth Health Tip: Make Exercise a Daily Habit New Source of Heart Stem Cells Found Health Highlights: June 23, 2008 Poorer Patients Have Poorer Survival After Cancer Diagnosis One Gene May Be Key to Myeloma Crocodile Babies Cry Out for Hatching Immune Molecule Key to Preventing Organ Rejection