carmustine Health Article

Generic name(s):

carmustine

Brand name(s):

BiCNU, Gliadel

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

Carmustine 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 carmustine including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection such as fever; chills, or sore throat); severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with carmustine.

In some cases, second cancers have been reported to occur during and following treatment with carmustine. Also, carmustine has been associated with the lung disorder pulmonary fibrosis. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication.

What is carmustine?

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

Carmustine is used to treat cancerous brain tumors and some types of blood cancer (multiple myeloma, Hodgkin's disease, and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas).

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

Who should not take carmustine?

Before taking carmustine, tell your doctor if you have

• had recent vaccinations;

• blood or bone marrow problems;

• kidney disease; or
• liver disease.

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

Carmustine is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that carmustine is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not take carmustine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or if you could become pregnant during treatment. Contraceptive measures are recommended during treatment with carmustine. It is not known whether carmustine passes into breast milk. Do not take carmustine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

How should I take carmustine?

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

Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with carmustine depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.

The Gliadel wafers are surgically implanted in the brain where they release the medication and gradually dissolve.

Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with carmustine to monitor progress and side effects.

Your healthcare provider will store carmustine injection or wafers as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing carmustine injection at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of carmustine.

What happens if I overdose?

If for any reason an overdose of carmustine is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Symptoms of a carmustine overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe.