Busulfex (Busulfan) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 25, 2012

Busulfex

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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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Busulfex

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Busulfex Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using busulfan (Busulfex)?

You should not use busulfan if you are allergic to it.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

a weak immune system (bone marrow depression) caused by other cancer medications or radiation treatment;
epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
history of head injury; or
a history of lung or breathing problems.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use busulfan without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

This medication may affect fertility (your ability to have children), whether you are a man or a woman.

It is not known whether busulfan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Some people treated with busulfan have developed new forms of cancer. Talk to your doctor about your specific risks and benefits of using this medication.

How should I take busulfan (Busulfex)?

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. You must remain under the care of a doctor while using busulfan.

Take the busulfan tablet with a full glass of water.

Busulfan injection is given through a needle placed into a vein in your upper chest (central IV). You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. You will also receive other medications to help prevent certain side effects of busulfan.

Busulfan injection is usually given every 6 hours for 4 days in a row. The medicine must be given slowly through the IV, and each infusion can take at least 2 hours to complete.

Busulfan can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill.

To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a weekly or monthly basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested on a regular basis. Busulfan can have long-lasting effects on your body. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor for blood or urine tests.

Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), weight loss, mouth sores, or unusual weakness.

Store busulfan tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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