Busulfex
Busulfex is in a class of drugs known as alkylating agents; it slows or stops the
growth of cancer cells in your body. The length of treatment depends on the types of drugs
you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you have.
Busulfex is used to treat
- chronic myelogenous leukemia
Busulfex also is used in the treatment of disorders which involve the way certain blood
cells multiply (myeloproliferative disorders) such as severe thrombocytosis and
polycythemia vera. Busulfex also has been used in combination with other drugs to treat
myelofibrosis. Busulfex has been used in very high doses and in combination with other
drugs to destroy the bone marrow in preparation for a bone marrow transplant
Side effects of Busulfex
Temporary reduction in bone marrow function. This can result in
anaemia, risk of bruising or bleeding, and infection. This effect can begin within 10-30
days of starting treatment and will gradually return to normal over several weeks. The
extent to which the number of blood cells in your blood is reduced depends on the dose of
chemotherapy you receive and which other chemotherapy drugs, if any, are given in
combination. Your doctor can advise you how likely it is that the production of blood
cells by your bone marrow will be lowered by the chemotherapy. The number of blood cells
in your blood will be checked regularly to see how well your bone marrow is working.
If your temperature goes above 38°C (100.5°F), or you have any unexplained bruising
or bleeding, or you feel unwell, even if you have a normal temperature, contact your
doctor or the hospital straight away.
Skin changes. Your skin may darken, due to excess production of
pigment in some areas.
Tiredness and a general feeling of weakness. It is important to allow
yourself plenty of time to rest.
Less common side effects of Busulfex
Raised levels of uric acid in the blood. A drug called allopurinol may
be given to stop this happening. It may also help to drink plenty of fluids. While you are
taking Busulfex your uric acid levels will be checked regularly by blood tests.
Changes to the lungs. Busulfex may cause some changes to the lungs.
This is due to scarring of the lungs (fibrosis). This may occur during treatment, or may
not happen for some years. Tell your doctor if you notice any cough or shortness of
breath.
Irritation of the bladder. It is important to drink plenty of fluids
to prevent the irritation. You may sometimes be given fluids through a drip before high
dose intravenous treatment to protect the bladder. If you notice any blood in your urine
tell your doctor or nurse.
Skin changes. Busulfex can cause a rash, which may be itchy. Your
doctor can prescribe medicine to help with this.
Hair loss. Hair loss does not usually occur if you take Busulfex as
tablets. It can occur if Busulfex is taken as high dose intravenous treatment. It is
temporary, and the hair will return to normal once the treatment is finished.
Liver. Your liver may be temporarily affected. Busulfex may cause
changes in the way that your liver works, which return to normal when the treatment is
finished. This is unlikely to cause you any harm but your doctor will monitor this
carefully. Samples of your blood will be taken from time to time to check how well your
liver is working.
Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting. There are very effective
anti-sickness drugs to prevent or greatly reduce nausea and vomiting. If sickness does
occur it may begin a few hours after the treatment is given and last for up to five days.
If the sickness is not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor. They can prescribe
other anti-sickness drugs, which may be more effective.
Sore mouth and taste change. Your mouth may become sore, or you
may notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids and cleaning your
teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush can help reduce the risk of this
happening. Tell your doctor if you do have any of these problems as they can prescribe
special mouthwashes and medicine to prevent or clear any mouth infection.
You may notice that your food tastes different. Normal taste will come back after the
treatment finishes.
Diarrhoea. This can usually be controlled with anti-diarrhoea
medicine, but let your doctor know if it is severe or continues. It is important to drink
plenty of fluids if you do have diarrhoea.
Loss of appetite. A dietician or specialist nurse at your hospital can
give advice. Y
Dizziness, blurred vision or confusion may occur. This is very rare
and only occurs with high dose treatment. If you notice any of these effects tell your
doctor immediately.
Second cancer. With long-term use of this drug there is a very small
risk of developing a second cancer after many years.
Cataracts may be caused by Busulfex. This would occur some years after
the treatment. Let your doctor know if you notice any change in your eyesight.
Swelling and tenderness of the breasts may be experienced in both men
and women.
Fever and chills may occur soon after the drug is given, but they do
not usually last long. Your doctor may prescribe medicines to reduce this effect.
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