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Busulfan (oral/injection)

Generic name: busulfan (oral/injection) [ bue-SUL-fan ]
Brand names: Busulfex, Myleran
Dosage forms: intravenous solution (6 mg/mL), oral tablet (2 mg)
Drug class: Alkylating agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 25, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is busulfan?

Busulfan oral (taken by mouth) is used to treat the symptoms of chronic myelogenous leukemia (a type of blood cancer). Busulfan is not a cure for leukemia.

Busulfan injection is used together with a medicine called cyclophosphamide, to prepare your body to receive a stem cell transplant from a donor's bone marrow.

Busulfan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Busulfan side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Busulfan may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of busulfan may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Busulfan affects your immune system. You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Call your doctor if you have a fever, chills, cough, mouth sores, or unusual bleeding or bruising.

Busulfan can have long lasting effects on your body. You may need frequent medical tests for a short time after you stop using busulfan.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use busulfan if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Some people treated with busulfan have developed new forms of cancer. Talk to your doctor about your specific risks and benefits of using this medicine.

Busulfan can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects if the mother or the father is using this medicine.

High-dose busulfan may affect fertility (ability to have children) in women, either temporarily or permanently. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this risk.

You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.

How should I use busulfan?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take the busulfan oral tablet with a full glass of water.

Busulfan injection is given as an infusion into a vein in your upper chest (central IV). A healthcare provider will give you this injection. You will also receive other medicines to help prevent certain side effects of busulfan.

Busulfan can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. Your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.

Busulfan can have long lasting effects on your body. You may need frequent medical tests for a short time after you stop using busulfan.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Since busulfan injection is given by a healthcare professional, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using busulfan?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

What other drugs will affect busulfan?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Other drugs may affect busulfan, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.