BiCNU (Carmustine) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 25, 2012

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Cancer »

What is cancer?

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells anywhere in a body. The abnormal cells are termed cancer cells, malignant cells, or tumor cells. Many cancers and the abnormal cells that compose the cancer tissue are further identified by the name of the tissue that the abnormal cells originated from (for example, breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer). Cancer is not confined to humans; animals and other living organisms can get cancer. Below is a schematic that shows normal cell division and how when a cell is damaged or altered without repair to its system, the cell usually dies. Also shown is what can occur when such damaged or unrepaired cells do not die and become cancer cells and proliferate with uncontrolled growth; a mass of cancer cells develop. Frequently, cancer cells can break away from this original mass of cells, travel through the blood and lymph systems, and lodge in other organs where they can again repeat the ...

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BiCNU

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BiCNU Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

CARMUSTINE - INJECTION

(kar-MUST-een)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): BiCNU

WARNING: This medication may cause very serious blood disorders (decreased bone marrow function leading to low number of blood cells such as red cells, white cells, and platelets). These effects can cause anemia, decrease your body's ability to fight an infection, or cause your body to bruise or bleed more easily. If these effects occur, it is usually 4 to 6 weeks after the medication is given. Your doctor will monitor your blood counts for at least 6 weeks after your dose of the medication. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms: signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), easy bruising/bleeding, unusual tiredness, fast/pounding heartbeat.

This medication may also cause very serious (possibly fatal) lung problems. The lung problems can occur years after treatment. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms: shortness of breath, persistent cough, chest pain, persistent weakness/tiredness.

USES: This medication is used to treat certain types of cancer (e.g., multiple myeloma, brain tumor, Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma). Carmustine belongs to a class of drugs known as alkylating agents. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional. Dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to treatment. This medication is usually given every 6 weeks or as directed by your doctor.