Busulfan (oral/injection)

Generic name: busulfan (oral/injection) [ bue-SUL-fan ]
Brand names: Busulfex, Myleran
Dosage forms: intravenous solution (6 mg/mL); oral tablet (2 mg)
Drug class:Alkylating agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 25, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is busulfan?

Busulfan oral (taken by mouth) is used to treat the symptoms of chronic myelogenous leukemia (a type of blood cancer). Busulfan is not a cure for leukemia.

Busulfan injection is used together with a medicine called cyclophosphamide, to prepare your body to receive a stem cell transplant from a donor's bone marrow.

Busulfan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Busulfan affects your immune system. You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Call your doctor if you have a fever, chills, cough, mouth sores, or unusual bleeding or bruising.

Busulfan can have long lasting effects on your body. You may need frequent medical tests for a short time after you stop using busulfan.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use busulfan if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a weak immune system (bone marrow depression) caused by other cancer medications or radiation treatment;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• a head injury; or

• lung or breathing problems.

Some people treated with busulfan have developed new forms of cancer. Talk to your doctor about your specific risks and benefits of using this medicine.

Busulfan can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects if the mother or the father is using this medicine.

• If you are a woman, do not use busulfan if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.

• 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 dose.

• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using busulfan.

High-dose busulfan may affect fertility (ability to have children) in women, either temporarily or permanently. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this risk.

You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.

How should I use busulfan?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and...