BiCNU (injection/
Generic name:carmustine (injection/implant) [ kar-MUS-teen ]
Brand names: BiCNU, Gliadel
Drug class:Alkylating agents
What is BiCNU?
BiCNU is used to treat brain tumors, Hodgkin's disease, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
BiCNU is sometimes given with other cancer medicines, with radiation or after brain surgery.
BiCNU may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
BiCNU can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. This medicine can also cause serious lung problems. You will need frequent medical tests while receiving BiCNU. Call your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding, tiredness, weakness, or breathing problems.
Before taking this medicine
You should not be treated with BiCNU if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
lung disease or breathing problems;
bone marrow suppression; or
kidney disease.
Receiving BiCNU injection may increase your risk of developing other cancers, such as leukemia. Ask your doctor about this risk.
BiCNU may harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using this medicine.
If you are a woman, do not use BiCNU if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while receiving this medicine. Keep using birth control for at least 6 months after your last injection or after implant placement.
If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last injection or after implant placement.
Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using BiCNU.
This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in men. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because BiCNU can harm an unborn baby.
Do not breastfeed while receiving BiCNU injection, or for at least 7 days after this medicine implant placement.
How is BiCNU given?
BiCNU injection is given as an infusion into a vein, usually once every 6 weeks. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
BiCNU must be given slowly, and the infusion can take at least 2 hours to complete.
Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when BiCNU is injected.
BiCNU implant is placed in your brain after
