Carmustine Injection
Dosage form: injection
Drug class:Alkylating agents
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 1, 2021.
On This Page
- Boxed Warning
- Indications and Usage
- Dosage and Administration
- Dosage Forms and Strengths
- Contraindications
- Warnings and Precautions
- Adverse Reactions/Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Use In Specific Populations
- Overdosage
- Description
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Nonclinical Toxicology
- References
- How Supplied/Storage and Handling
- Patient Counseling Information
WARNING: MYELOSUPPRESSION and PULMONARY TOXICITY
Myelosuppression
Carmustine causes suppression of marrow function (including thrombocytopenia and leukopenia), which may contribute to bleeding and overwhelming infections. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Adverse Reactions (6)]. Monitor blood counts weekly for at least 6 weeks after each dose. Adjust dosage based on nadir blood counts from the prior dose [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)]. Do not administer a repeat course of carmustine until blood counts recover.
Pulmonary Toxicity
Carmustine causes dose-related pulmonary toxicity. Patients receiving greater than 1400 mg/m2 cumulative dose are at significantly higher risk than those receiving less. Delayed pulmonary toxicity can occur years after treatment, and can result in death, particularly in patients treated in childhood[see Adverse Reactions (6) and Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].
Indications and Usage for Carmustine Injection
Carmustine for injection is indicated as palliative therapy as a single agent or in established combination therapy in the following:
- Brain tumors glioblastoma, brainstem glioma, medulloblastoma, astrocytoma, ependymoma, and metastatic brain tumors.
- Multiple myeloma in combination with prednisone.
- Relapsed or refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma in combination with other approved drugs.
- ...
