Busulfex

The recommended dose and dosing schedule of Busulfex (Busulfan) varies according to the specific type of cancer being treated, the response to therapy, other medications or treatments being used, and is also based on body size. Busulfex (Busulfan) is either taken as oral tablet(s) daily or injected into a vein through a site on the skin that has been specially prepared for this purpose.

The dose should be taken at the same time each day to have the best effect. Your doctor may want you to drink extra fluids while taking Busulfex (Busulfan) to prevent kidney problems.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use Busulfex (Busulfan) exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Busulfex (Busulfan) may cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, but it is important that you continue to use the medication. Do not stop taking it without talking with your doctor. If you vomit shortly after taking a dose of Busulfex (Busulfan), call your doctor for instructions on whether to skip that dose or to take another dose.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

As well as interfering with the genetic material DNA of cancer cells, Busulfex (Busulfan) can interfere with some of your normal cells. This can cause a number of side effects such as hair loss and mouth sores. Keep track of any side effects and report them to your doctor at your next appointment.

Store Busulfex (Busulfan) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Each 10 mL vial contains 60 mg of Busulfex (Busulfan) at a concentration of 6 mg per mL for intravenous use. Nonmedicinal ingredients: dimethylacetaminde and polyethylene glycol 400, NF, in quantities of 3.333 mL and 6.667 mL, respectively.

Do not take Busulfex (Busulfan) if you:

• are allergic to Busulfex (Busulfan) or any ingredients of Busulfex (Busulfan)
• have a low platelet count
• have a low white blood cell count
• have not responded well to Busulfex (Busulfan) in the past

There may be an interaction between Busulfex (Busulfan) and any of the following:

• Acetaminophen
• amphotericin B
• Azathioprine
• "azole" antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, Voriconazole)
• bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)
• Clozapine
• Deferiprone
• Denosumab
• echinacea
• Fingolimod
• Leflunomide
• Methotrexate
• Metronidazole
• Natalizumab
• Nivolumab
• other cancer medications or medications that suppress the immune system
• Phenytoin
• Pimecrolimus
• Roflumilast
• Tacrolimus
• Tofacitinib
• Trastuzumab
• vaccines

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Busulfex (Busulfan). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Busulfex (Busulfan).

Anemia: Busulfex (Busulfan) may cause low levels of red blood cells. If you experience symptoms of reduced red blood cell count (anemia) such as shortness of breath, feeling unusually tired, or pale skin, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Blood clotting: Busulfex (Busulfan) can reduce the number of platelet cells in the blood. Platelets help the blood to clot, and a shortage could make you bleed more easily.

Tell your doctor about any signs that your blood is not clotting as quickly as usual. Symptoms include black and tarry stools, blood in the urine, easy bruising, or cuts that won't stop bleeding.

Fertility: Sterility may occur with the use of Busulfex (Busulfan). Talk to your doctor about options for preserving fertility for the future.

Infection: As well as killing cancer cells, Busulfex (Busulfan) can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). If possible, avoid contact with people who have contagious infections. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells in your blood.

Liver: People taking Busulfex (Busulfan) may have changes in liver function that produce abnormal liver test results. It may also cause blockage of some of the small blood vessels in the liver. Your doctor will monitor you for this with blood tests. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Lung disease: Busulfex (Busulfan) may in rare cases cause a form of lung disease that develops after your treatment with Busulfex (Busulfan) has been is completed. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop a persistent cough, shortness of breath, or fever. Routine breathing tests may be required.

Other cancers: The use of Busulfex (Busulfan) may increase your risk of developing another type of cancer, such as leukemias and tumours. Discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor.

Seizures: High doses of Busulfex (Busulfan) can increase the risk of seizures. If you have a history of Epilepsy or medical conditions that increase the risk of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Busulfex (Busulfan) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Busulfex (Busulfan), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy: There is a possibility of birth defects if either the father or mother is taking Busulfex (Busulfan) at the time of conception, or if it is taken during pregnancy. Effective birth control should be practiced while using Busulfex (Busulfan) and should be continued for 6 months after treatment with Busulfex (Busulfan) is complete. If you become pregnant while taking Busulfex (Busulfan), talk to your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Busulfex (Busulfan) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Busulfex (Busulfan), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.