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Drug Notebook

Generic Name: busulfan

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Busulfex, Myleran
An alkylating agent - used in Bone Marrow Transplantation and treats Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia
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FDA Alerts

    Hematologic Toxicity
  • Highly toxic drug with a low therapeutic index.
  • Possible severe bone marrow hypoplasia; discontinue therapy temporarily or reduce dosage at the first sign of abnormal bone marrow depression. In some cases, bone marrow examination may be necessary in addition to blood counts.
    Experience of Supervising Clinician
  • Use under constant supervision of a qualified clinician experienced in therapy with antineoplastic agents.
  • Clinicians supervising the administration of IV busulfan also should be experienced in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and in the management of patients with severe pancytopenia.

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What is the most important information I should know about busulfan?

Busulfan should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Serious side effects have been reported with the use of busulfan including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); unusual bleeding or bruising; fever or chills; persistent cough; congestion; shortness of breath; flank, stomach or joint pain; sudden weakness; unusual fatigue; decreased appetite or weight loss; infertility; pronounced nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, confusion, or darkening of the skin; secondary cancers, pulmonary fibrosis (a lung disorder), and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with busulfan.

What is busulfan?

Busulfan is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Busulfan interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Busulfan is used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia (a type of blood cancer).

Busulfan may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking busulfan?

Before taking busulfan, tell your doctor if you have

  • bone marrow problems;

  • a history of lung or breathing problems; or

  • a seizure disorder.

You may not be able to take busulfan, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Busulfan is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that busulfan is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Busulfan may also affect egg production in women and sperm production in men. Do not take busulfan without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Contraceptive measures are recommended during treatment with busulfan. It is not known whether busulfan passes into breast milk. Do not take busulfan without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.
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