Uses

Busulfan is used as a pretreatment for patients who are undergoing stem cell transplant for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).

How to use Busulfan Solution

This medication is given by injection into a vein over 2 hours by a health care professional. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually every 6 hours. While you receive busulfan, your doctor may also prescribe other medications to help prevent seizures and nausea/vomiting caused by the medication.

The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, lab tests, and response to treatment.

Side Effects

See also Warning section.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, mouth sores, stomach/abdominal pain, dizziness, swelling ankles/feet/hand, flushing, headache, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Eating several small meals, not eating before treatment, or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects.

Many people using this medication may have serious side effects. However, you have been prescribed this drug because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: signs of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing skin/eyes, dark urine), mental/mood changes (such as depression, hallucinations, anxiety, confusion), muscle cramps, increased thirst/urination, fast/irregular heartbeat, coughing up blood, bloody urine, seizures, pain/redness/swelling at injection site, fainting.

Busulfan has rarely caused very serious (possibly fatal) lung disease. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of lung disease, including cough that doesn't go away, chest pain, shortness of breath.

Busulfan may cause other cancers (such as acute leukemia, tumors). Consult your doctor for more details. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any symptoms of cancer, including unusual lumps, sudden weight loss.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Warnings

This medication decreases bone marrow function, an effect that may lead to a low number of blood cells such as red cells, white cells, and platelets. This effect can cause anemia, decrease your body's ability to fight an infection, or cause you to bruise or bleed more easily. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of the following symptoms: signs of an infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills), easy bruising/bleeding, pale skin, unusual tiredness.

Your doctor will monitor you closely while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments.

Precautions

Before receiving busulfan, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood/bone marrow disorders (such as bone marrow suppression, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia), brain disorders (such as seizures, head injury).

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Busulfan can make you more likely to get infections or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.

Tell your health care professional that you are using busulfan before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).

To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This medication can affect fertility in both males and females. Ask your doctor for more details.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using busulfan. Busulfan may harm an unborn baby. Women using this medication should ask about reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Men using this medication should ask about reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose. If you or your partner becomes pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Does Busulfan Solution interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes Notes

Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count, busulfan blood levels, liver function) must be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose Missed Dose

It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule.

Storage Storage

Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital and will not be stored at home.

Images

Drug Survey

Are you currently using Busulfan Solution?

This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.