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- $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
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- 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.
-
- ----------------
-
- 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.
-