Busulfan (Myleran)

Busulfan is one of the older chemotherapy drugs which has been around and in use for many years. Busulfan is a pill which is taken orally. It is most commonly used in the following situations:

• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

• Bone Marrow Transplantation

This drug also comes in an intravenous form that is used for conditioning prior to bone marrow transplantation.

The type and extent of a cancer will determine the method and schedule of administration of this drug. This decision is made by the medical oncologist. Busulfan is normally prescribed on a daily basis for a long period of time or until a remission is achieved. In a bone marrow transplant setting, it is given orally for a few days in very high doses.

Side Effects:

The degree and severity of the side effects depend on the amount and schedule of the administration of Busulfan. Following are some of the most common and significant ill effects:

• Low white blood counts

• Low platelet count

• Anemia

• Hair Loss

• Soreness of the mouth, difficulty swallowing

• Diarrhea

• Lung damage is a serious side effect of this medicine. It may manifest itself by shortness of breath or cough after lengthy or high dose treatments with Busulfan.

It is imperative that patients relay any side effects or problems to his/her medical oncologist.