Busulfan

About Busulfan

This belongs to the group of medicines known as alkylating drugs.

Busulfan is used to treat myeloid leukaemia, a type of cancer, and some blood cell or bone marrow problems.

Busulfan works by preventing the growth and division of cells and therefore stops them increasing in numbers.

Busulfan is available in tablet and injection form.

Busulfan is also written as Busulphan. You may notice either spelling used on packaging.

It is also sometimes known as: Myleran; Busilvex. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Busulfan

Before taking Busulfan make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you are male and you and your partner are trying for a baby or intend to have children in the future
• if you suffer from porphyria
• if you are receiving or have recently received radiotherapy
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Busulfan

• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• If your dosage involves breaking up a tablet you will need to take special precautions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• Busulfan occasionally causes you to feel or be sick. It is important to keep taking this medicine at regular dosage times even if you begin to feel unwell.
• If you vomit shortly after taking a dose, or you forget a dose, check with your doctor. You will be told whether to take the dose again, or wait until the next dose is due.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Busulfan contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Busulfan.
• Important: You must avoid getting pregnant while taking Busulfan. If you are male, you must not get a woman pregnant. Ask your doctor, hospital or pharmacist about suitable contraception.
• You must keep your regular appointments with the doctor or hospital so your progress can be checked. You may need to have regular blood tests during your treatment with Busulfan.
• While you are taking Busulfan, and for a while after you stop treatment, do not have any immunisations (vaccinations) without talking to your doctor first. Busulfan lowers the body's resistance and there is a chance that you may get an infection from the vaccine.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment tell the surgeon, doctor or dentist you are taking Busulfan.
• If you find you are passing urine less than you would expect, your ankles are swollen or you seem to be retaining fluid see your doctor as soon as possible. You may need to take another medicine to help with this.

Can Busulfan cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects become troublesome.

Feeling sick, being sick, breathlessness, persistent cough, darkening of the skin, weight loss and in women periods may stop.

Important: if you notice any unexpected bleeding or fever (high temperature) contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once.

Less commonly you may experience enlarged breasts (in men and women), muscle weakness, cataracts, fits or blood in your urine.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Busulfan

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from food, direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 08/02/2005