BiCNU (Carmustine) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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May 25, 2012

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BiCNU

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BiCNU Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: BiCNU, Gliadel

Generic Name: carmustine (Pronunciation: kar MUS teen)

What is carmustine (BiCNU)?

Carmustine is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their spread in the body.

Carmustine is used to treat brain tumors, Hodgkin's disease, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Carmustine is sometimes given with other cancer medications.

Carmustine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of carmustine (BiCNU)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

redness of your eyes or skin and severe warmth or tingling under your skin (within 2 to 4 hours after your carmustine injection);
signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores;
easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;
wheezing, rapid breathing, feeling short of breath;
chest pain, dry cough, fever, feeling ill;
urinating less than usual or not at all;
confusion, mood changes, increased thirst;
swelling in your ankles or feet; or
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include darkened skin color where the IV needle was placed.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about carmustine (BiCNU)?

Do not use carmustine if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to carmustine.

Before receiving carmustine, tell your doctor if you have bone marrow suppression, liver or kidney disease, or a history of lung or breathing problems.

Carmustine is usually given once every 6 weeks. You may be given either a single injection or multiple injections over a 2-day period. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Carmustine can cause nausea and vomiting that may last up to 6 hours after your injection.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested weekly for at least 6 weeks after you receive a dose of carmustine. Your kidneys, liver, and lung function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.

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