Use under supervision of a qualified clinician experienced in therapy with antineoplastic agents.
Risk of bone marrow suppression (e.g., thrombocytopenia, leukopenia), resulting in bleeding and infection. Bone marrow toxicity is delayed and cumulative. Monitor CBCs weekly during and for at least 6 weeks following each dose; do not administer more frequently than every 6 weeks. Adjust subsequent dosages based on nadir blood counts from previous dose. (See Dosage Modification for Toxicity under Dosage and Administration.)
Risk of dose-related pulmonary toxicity. Cumulative doses >1400 mg/m2 associated with substantially greater risk. Delayed pulmonary toxicity can occur years after treatment and result in death, particularly in patients treated during childhood.
CARMUSTINE, BCNU (kar MUS teen) is a chemotherapy drug. It is used to treat glioma and glioblastoma. The wafers are placed at a site where a brain tumor used to be, at the end of a surgery to remove the tumor.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
bleeding problems
infection
an unusual or allergic reaction to carmustine, BCNU, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
This drug is placed into the space made when a tumor is removed. It is administered during surgery in a hospital.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
What may interact with this medicine?
Interactions are not expected.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor for checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood work. Report any side effects.
In some cases, you may be given additional medicines to help with side effects. Follow all directions for their use.
Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
This drug is given in a hospital and will not be stored at home.
NOTE:This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children,
never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
