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CARMUSTINE (BiCNU®) is a type of chemotherapy for treating cancer. Carmustine interferes with cell growth and is used in
combination with other chemotherapy for the treatment of certain cancers of the blood and brain. Generic carmustine injections are not
yet available.
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
·bleeding problems
·blood disorders
·dental disease
·infection (especially virus infection such as chickenpox or herpes)
·kidney disease
·liver disease
·lung disease
·an unusual or allergic reaction to carmustine, other chemotherapy, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
·pregnant or trying to get pregnant
·breast-feeding
Carmustine is for slow infusion into a vein. It is usually administered in a hospital or clinic setting by a health care professional. As a
single agent, the injections are given at intervals of 6 weeks, allowing for recovery of the blood between doses. Continue to receive
doses at regular intervals unless instructed otherwise by your prescriber or health care professional.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
It is important not to miss a dose. Notify your prescriber or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.
·amphotericin B
·cimetidine
·live virus vaccines
·phenobarbital
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines,
nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks
with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your
health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
·black tarry stools
·blood in the urine
·difficulty breathing, wheezing or shortness of breath
·fever or chills, cough or sore throat
·lower back pain
·pain or difficulty passing urine
·pain, swelling, redness or irritation at the injection site
·reduced amount of urine passed
·unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on your skin
·unusual tiredness or weakness
·vomiting
·weight increase or decrease
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are
bothersome):
·flushing of the skin and red eye
·loss of appetite
·missed menstrual periods
·nausea
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood checks. The side
effects of carmustine can continue after you finish your treatment; report side effects promptly.
Carmustine may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon because carmustine affects good cells as well as cancer cells.
Report any side effects as above, but continue your course of medicine even though you feel ill, unless your prescriber or health care
professional tells you to stop.
While you are using carmustine, you will be more susceptible to infection. Try to avoid people with colds, flu, and bronchitis. Do not
have any vaccinations without your prescriber's approval and avoid anyone who has recently had oral polio vaccine.
Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat. Do not treat yourself.
Carmustine can cause blood problems. This can mean slow healing and a risk of infection. Try to avoid cutting or injuring yourself.
Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when
you brush or floss your teeth.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are using carmustine.
Carmustine can change male sperm or female eggs. Talk to your prescriber or health care professional about how this medicine can
affect your ability to have normal babies.
Keep out of the reach of children.
After preparing the injection solution, store at room temperature, protect from light and use within 8 hours.
NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you
have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.
[ Revised 1/1/95]
This information was obtained from Clinical Pharmacology 2000 . For more information about this drug or about any other drug, click here.