Carmustine (injection/ implant)
Generic name: carmustine (injection/
Brand names: BiCNU, Gliadel
Dosage forms: implant device (7.7 mg); intravenous powder for injection (100 mg)
Drug class:Alkylating agents
What is carmustine?
Carmustine is used to treat brain tumors, Hodgkin's disease, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Carmustine is sometimes given with other cancer medicines, with radiation or after brain surgery.
Carmustine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Carmustine can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. Carmustine can also cause serious lung problems. You will need frequent medical tests while receiving carmustine. 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 carmustine 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 carmustine injection may increase your risk of developing other cancers, such as leukemia. Ask your doctor about this risk.
Carmustine may harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using this medicine.
If you are a woman, do not use carmustine if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while receiving carmustine. 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 carmustine.
This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in men. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because carmustine can harm an unborn baby.
Do not breastfeed while receiving carmustine injection, or for at least 7 days after carmustine implant placement.
How is carmustine given?
Carmustine injection is given as an infusion into a vein, usually once every 6 weeks. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
carmustine 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 ...