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Busulfan Injection (BUSULFAN - INJECTION)

For treating cancer.

Brand Name(s): Busulfex

Generic Name: Busulfan

Instructions

This medicine is given as an IV injection into a vein.

This medicine should be given by a trained health care provider.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Your doctor may prescribe other medications to reduce side effects. Follow instructions carefully.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

May cause mouth sores. Brush teeth gently. Avoid products containing alcohol. Rinse mouth with a mixture of water and baking soda or salt.

Some patients on this medicine have developed severe, life-threatening infections. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

This medicine may increase the risk of cancer. Ask your doctor about the benefits and risks.

There is an increased risk of bleeding while on this medicine, please tell your doctor or nurse if you notice any excessive bleeding or bruising.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not operate machinery or drive while on this medicine.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine.

This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.

Women who are pregnant or in their childbearing years should not touch or handle this medicine. This medicine can be absorbed through the woman's skin and harm the unborn baby.

Women must use reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Men with a female partner who is of childbearing age must use a condom and a second form of birth control during sexual activity while taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
  • decreased appetite
  • dizziness
  • dry mouth
  • mouth sores or irritation
  • nausea and vomiting
  • pain near injection site
  • darkening of skin or nails
  • stomach pain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • bleeding or bruising
  • chest pain
  • confusion
  • coughing
  • coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
  • depression or feeling sad
  • fainting
  • fever or chills
  • hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
  • fast or irregular heart beats
  • pain in the joints
  • signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
  • menstruation changes (missed or fewer periods)
  • pale or blue skin, lips or fingernails
  • seizures
  • shortness of breath
  • sore throat
  • blurring or changes of vision
  • weight loss

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.