Busulfan tablets
What do busulfan tablets do?
BUSULFAN (Myleran(R)) is a type of chemotherapy used for treating chronic myelogenous leukemia. It may also be used as part of the chemotherapy given before bone marrow transplantation. Busulfan may be used in combination with other cancer chemotherapy agents.
What should my health care professional know before I take busulfan?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• blood disorders
• bleeding problems
• dental disease
• gout
• infection (especially virus infection such as chickenpox or herpes)
• liver disease
• previous radiation therapy
• previous cancer chemotherapy
• seizures
• an unusual or allergic reaction to busulfan, other chemotherapy agents, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take busulfan tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your doctor or health care professional even if the tablets make you feel unwell. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. If you vomit after taking a dose, call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.
What other medicines can interact with busulfan?
• vaccines
• thioguanine
• itraconazole
Talk to your prescriber or health care professional before taking any of these medicines:
• aspirin
• acetaminophen
• ibuprofen
• naproxen
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also, tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking busulfan?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• black tarry stools
• blood in urine
• blurred vision
• difficulty breathing
• fever or chills, sore throat
• lower back pain
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• red spots on the skin
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• yellowing of eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• darkening of the nails or skin
• missed or irregular menstrual periods
• nausea
• diarrhea
• heartburn
• stomach pains or cramps
• weight loss
• changes in color of nails and/or skin