What is busulfan?

busulfan is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. busulfan interferes
with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the
body.

busulfan is used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia (a type of blood
cancer).

busulfan may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.

Who should not take busulfan?

Before taking busulfan, tell your doctor if you have

* bone marrow problems;
* a history of lung or breathing problems; or
* a seizure disorder.

You may not be able to take busulfan, or you may require a dosage adjustment
or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions
listed above.
nopreg busulfan is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that busulfan
is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. busulfan may also affect
egg production in women and sperm production in men. Do not take busulfan
without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become
pregnant during treatment. Contraceptive measures are recommended during
treatment with busulfan.
nobrfeed It is not known whether busulfan passes into breast milk. Do
not take busulfan without first talking to your doctor if you are breast
feeding a baby.

How should I take busulfan?

Take oral busulfan exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not
understand these instructions, ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to
explain them to you.
water Take each oral dose with a large glass of water.

Take busulfan tablets at the same time each day.
stomach Taking busulfan on an empty stomach is preferable. Continue to
take busulfan even if nausea and vomiting occurs. Do not stop taking the
medicine without first talking to your doctor. Check with your doctor
if vomiting occurs shortly after taking a dose of busulfan. Your doctor
may want you to take another dose, but do not do this without checking
with your doctor first.

Injectable busulfan should only be administered under the supervision
of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic
agents.

Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment
with busulfan depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other
factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding
the treatment schedule.
water Adequate hydration is important during treatment with busulfan.
Your doctor may prescribe the administration of intravenous fluids and/or
recommend additional fluid intake by mouth during treatment.

Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood
tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with busulfan to
monitor progress and side effects.
rt Store busulfan tablets at room temperature away from heat and moisture.
Keep this product out of the reach of children.

Your healthcare provider will store busulfan injection as directed by
the manufacturer. If you are storing busulfan injection at home, follow
the directions provided by your healthcare provider.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of busulfan.

What happens if I overdose?
emt If for any reason an overdose of busulfan is suspected, seek emergency
medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Symptoms of a busulfan overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused
by the medication, although often more severe.

What should I avoid while taking busulfan?

busulfan can lower the activity of your immune system making you susceptible
to infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other
contagious illnesses and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains
of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with busulfan.
In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated
with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on
to you.

Skin accidentally exposed to busulfan injection should be rinsed thoroughly
with soap and warm water.

What are the possible side effects of busulfan?
emt If you experience any of the following serious side effects, seek
emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

* an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat;
difficulty breathing; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives);
* unusual bleeding or bruising;
* fever or chills;
* sudden weakness or unusual fatigue;
* persistent cough, congestion, or shortness of breath;
* flank, stomach or joint pain;
* decreased appetite or weight loss; or
* pronounced nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, confusion, or darkening
of the skin.

In some cases, secondary cancers have been reported to occur during and
following treatment with busulfan. Also, busulfan has been associated
with development of pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disorder which may be fatal.
Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication.

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to
your doctor if you experience

* dryness of the mouth, nose, and throat;
* mouth sores;
* stopping of normal menstruation and beginning symptoms of menopause;
* infertility;
* temporary hair loss;
* itching and rash; or
* changes in skin color.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome.

What other drugs will affect busulfan?

Before taking busulfan, tell your doctor if you are taking any other
medicines, especially any of the following:

* acetaminophen (Tylenol, others);
* cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar);
* itraconazole (Sporanox);
* phenytoin (Dilantin); or
* metronidazole (Flagyl).

You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment
if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
donot Do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment with busulfan.
Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous during treatment with
busulfan.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with busulfan. Talk
to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or
over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products,
during treatment with busulfan.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has additional information about busulfan written for
health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

busulfan is available with a prescription under the brand name Myleran
for tablets and Busulfex for injection. Other brand or generic formulations
may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about
this medication, especially if it is new to you.

* Myleran 2 mg-round, white tablets
* Busulfex 6mg/mL -10 mL ampules for injection