$Unique_ID{BRK03060}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{busulfan}
$Subject{Myleran Burroughs Wellcome Antineoplastic anticancer drug busulfan
alkylating agents leukemia binding cancer cells}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


busulfan
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Myleran (Burroughs Wellcome)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antineoplastic (anticancer drug)

INGREDIENT

     busulfan

DOSAGE FORM

     Tablets (2 mg)

STORAGE

     Busulfan should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
container.

USES

     Busulfan belongs to a group of drugs known as alkylating agents.  It is
used to treat leukemia.  This medication works by binding to the rapidly
growing cancer cells, preventing their multiplication and growth.

TREATMENT

     Busulfan can be taken either on an empty stomach or with food or milk (as
directed by your doctor).
     The timing of the doses of this medication is important.  Be sure you
completely understand your doctor's instructions on how this medication should
be taken.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, do not take the missed dose at
all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next
dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, stomach upset, or vomiting.  These side
effects may disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.  However, it is
important to continue taking this medication despite any nausea or vomiting
that may occur.  Busulfan also causes hair loss, which is reversible when the
medication is stopped.
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up from a sitting or
lying position slowly.

     Major.

     Be sure to tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
blurred vision, breast enlargement (in both sexes), chills, confusion, cough,
darkening of the skin, difficulty in breathing, dry skin, fatigue, fever,
itching, joint pain, loss of appetite, menstrual irregularities, mouth sores,
muscle weakness, skin rash, sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, weight
loss, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Busulfan can increase the blood levels of uric acid, which can block the
effectiveness of antigout medications (allopurinol, probenecid,
sulfinpyrazone).
     Before starting to take busulfan, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any
medications you are currently taking, especially any antigout medication.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to busulfan.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had blood disorders, chronic or recurrent
infections, chicken pox or shingles, gout, or kidney stones.
     * You should not receive any immunizations or vaccinations while taking
this medication.  Busulfan blocks the effectiveness of the vaccine and may
result in infection.
     * It is important to drink plenty of fluids (up to two or three quarts
each day) while taking this medication, in order to prevent uric acid kidney
stones from developing.
     * Busulfan can lower your platelet count, thereby decreasing your body's
ability to form blood clots.  You should, therefore, be especially careful
while brushing your teeth, flossing, or using toothpicks, razors, or
fingernail scissors.  Try to avoid falls and other injuries.
     * Before having surgery or other medical or dental treatment, tell your
doctor or dentist you are taking this drug.
     * Busulfan can decrease fertility in both men and women.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Birth defects have
been reported in both animals and humans whose mothers received busulfan
during pregnancy.  The risks should be discussed with your doctor.  Also, tell
your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  It is not known whether
busulfan passes into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.