Busulfan

Uses

Busulfan Uses Busulfan is used in the treatment of blood cancer, specifically chronic myeloid leukemia. It is administered in combination with other cancer medications during hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation (HPCT).

How it Works

How Busulfan works Busulfan is an anti-cancer medication that functions by damaging the genetic material (DNA and RNA) of cancer cells. This action inhibits their growth and multiplication.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Busulfan include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, anxiety, decreased magnesium levels in the blood, decreased potassium levels in the blood, diarrhea, fever, headache, increased glucose levels in the blood, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth), constipation, depression, dizziness, myelosuppression, rash, weakness, chills, pain, allergic reactions, chest pain, injection site inflammation, back pain, tachycardia, high blood pressure, thromboembolism, vasodilation, decreased appetite, dyspepsia, dryness in the mouth, rectal discomfort, abdominal distension, decreased calcium levels in the blood, increased bilirubin levels in the blood, edema (swelling), elevated serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, increased creatinine levels in the blood, inflammation of the nose, lung disorders, cough, nosebleeds, breathlessness, and itching.

Expert Advice

Busulfan is administered as an injection into the vein by a healthcare provider.
Do not skip any doses and complete the course as prescribed by your doctor.
Use an effective method of birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication.
Your doctor may perform regular blood tests to monitor blood cell levels.
Inform your doctor immediately if you notice unusual bruising or bleeding, or if you experience dark, tarry, or bloody stools, or a sore throat.