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Busulfan

Chemotherapy
Often used for: Leukemia, conditioning for hematopoietic cell transplant

About Busulfan

Busulfan prepares patients for hematopoietic cell transplant by slowing or stopping the growth of cells. Patients have regular blood draws to monitor blood counts and liver function, and busulfan levels may be checked to adjust dosing. Because busulfan can cause lung damage, chest X-rays and breathing tests may be used to monitor lung health.

Possible late effects

  • Heart problems
  • Lung problems (pulmonary fibrosis)
  • Secondary cancers
  • Fertility problems
  • Delayed puberty
  • Cataracts
May be taken as a tablet by mouth
May be given as a liquid into a vein by IV
May be taken as a liquid by mouth

Other names

Bussulfam, Busulfanum, Busulphan

Possible side effects

  • Low blood counts (may cause increased risk of infection, bleeding, anemia, and/or fatigue)
  • Seizures (while receiving the medicine and up to 3 days after taking the medicine)
  • Change in skin color (darkening of skin)
  • Liver problems (veno-occlusive disease)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Mouth sores
  • Dry mouth
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Not all patients who take busulfan will experience these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

Tips for families

  • Discuss all questions and recommendations with your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Medicines may be prescribed to prevent seizures and to reduce nausea and vomiting.
  • Sexually active patients should prevent pregnancy during treatment and for 6 months after therapy is complete.
  • Tell the doctor if the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Caregivers should follow instructions for safe handling and disposal and avoid contact with patient body fluids for 48 hours after treatment.
  • Take busulfan at about the same time every day.
  • If a dose is missed, give it as soon as possible unless it is near the next dose. Do not give two doses at the same time.
  • Store tablets at room temperature and liquid busulfan in the refrigerator.
  • Shake liquid busulfan for at least 30 seconds before filling the oral syringe and wash the syringe after each use.
  • Do not use the medicine past the expiration date and follow instructions for safe handling and disposal.