Trade name

Busulfex^®

What Busulfan is and what it is used for?

• Busulfan is an alkylating agent that exerts its anticancer activity by reacting with DNA and interfering with DNA replication and cell division. This stops the growth and spread of cancer cell in the body.
• Busulfan is given as the conditioning regimen prior to stem cell transplantation, or as the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

How Busulfan is given?

• The infusion time is dependent on the treatment plan. It may be given over several hours for 2 to 4 consecutive days.

What should I know while receiving Busulfan?

• Do not receive this drug when you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Men and women should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after the treatment ends.
• Do not receive any kind of vaccination without doctor's approval.
• You will have regular blood tests during treatment. Blood tests help your doctor understand how well busulfan is working and monitor any side effect you might get.
• Busulfan may affect fertility. You can talk to your doctor about methods of preserving fertility before treatment starts.
• The existing health problems may affect the use of busulfan. You should let your doctor know if you have other medical problems, especially seizures, lung or breathing problems.

Common side effects

• Low white blood cell count

You may have a higher risk of getting infections. Try to stay away from crowds and wash hands often. Tell your doctor right away if you have repeated fevers, coughing, stuffy nose, a painful urination or wound that becomes red and swollen.

• Low red blood cell count

You may look pale and get tired more easily. Let your doctor know if you experience any difficulty breathing or dizziness when changing positions.

• Low platelet count

You may have a higher risk of bleeding. Let your doctor know if you find red or purple dots on the skin, bleeding from the nose or gums, or any bruising or bleeding that you cannot explain.

• Nausea and vomiting

Medicines may be given before the treatment to prevent it happening. Eating and drinking often in small amounts may reduce the discomfort.

• Diarrhea

Talk to your doctor and ask for advice. Drinking plenty of water and dietary changes can improve diarrhea.

• Loss of appetite

Try to eat in small quantities and have frequent meals. If your appetite does not get any better after a few days, tell your doctor.

• Mouth sores

Your doctor can give you medicines that help you ease the discomfort. Good mouth care will help prevent mouth sores.

• Electrolyte imbalance (such as calcium, magnesium levels)

You may feel weak or numb, have muscle spasms, or twitch. Your heart may beat fast or blood pressure may change. Your doctor will monitor your electrolyte levels and may prescribe specific electrolytes to be given by intravenous injection or taken by mouth.

• Headache

Tell your doctor if this happens. Be sure to ask your doctor before taking any pain relievers.

• Difficulty sleeping

Talk to your doctor if this bothers you. Treatments usually include lifestyle changes, medications, or a combination of both.

• Muscle or joint pain

Talk to the doctor if the pain is bothering you, they can give you medicine to help ease pain.

• High blood sugar levels

If you have diabetes, this drug may worse your condition. Your doctor will monitor your blood sugar and may prescribe medications if necessary.

Less common side effects

• Elevated liver enzymes

Busulfan can affect how your liver works. Seek medical help right away if you have yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark or brown urine, or pain in abdomen, as these can be signs of liver toxicity.

• Skin reactions

Symptoms include darkening of the skin, itching, and rash. Tell your doctor about any skin changes that you have. Your doctor can give you medicines and advices that help you feel better.

Rare but important side effects

• Busulfan lung

Busulfan may affect how you breathe. This may be a delayed toxicity occurring 4-10 years after treatment. Seek medical help at once if you develop difficulty breathing with wheezing and coughing or there is any existing breathing problems get worse.

More Information

• Many drugs may interact with busulfan. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• Alcohol and cigarettes may interfere with certain medicines or worsen side effects from chemotherapy treatment. It is wise to avoid alcohol and cigarettes during cancer treatment. If you have any problem about drinking alcohol and smoking, you should check with your doctor.
• Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day can help make your recovery a smoother process.