What is Carmustine?
Carmustine can be used to treat brain tumours. Sometimes carmustine is given in conjunction with other cancer medications, with radiation, or after brain surgery. Carmustine can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Carmustine
Symptoms of an allergic reaction that require medical intervention: Hives, difficulty breathing or swelling in lips, face, tongue or throat.
Infusion reactions can occur during or 2 hours after the injection. It may cause skin redness or red eyes, as well as severe warmth and tingling beneath your skin. You may experience side effects weeks, or even years, after receiving carmustine.
Carmustine can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Easy bruising and unusual bleeding
- A seizure;
- Unexplained weight loss
- There is little or no urine production.
- Pain, swelling, or changes in the skin where the injection is given
- Slow healing of the incision following carmustine implants
- A dry cough, shortness of breath, especially with exercise, fatigue, body aches, and clubbing of the fingers or toes are all signs of lung problems.
- Increased pressure in your skull can cause sudden vision problems, a severe headache, or nausea.
- Signs of meningitis: fever; neck stiffness and increased sensitivity to lights; nausea; vomiting; confusion Drowsiness.
Carmustine can cause a number of side effects.
- Bleeding, bruising;
- Tiredness;
- Nausea, vomiting,
- Breathing problems
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; to report adverse events call the FDA directly on 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Keytruda, Blenrep, Tecvayli, Xpovio, Kyprolis, Elrexfio, and Talvey
Warnings
Carmustine lowers blood cells, which help the body fight infections and help your blood clot. Carmustine may also cause serious lung issues. Carmustine will require frequent medical testing. If you experience unusual bleeding or bruising, fatigue, weakness, or breathing difficulties, call your doctor.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to carmustine, it should be avoided.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Lung disease or breathing problems
- Bone marrow suppression is a condition that occurs when bone marrow cells are suppressed.
- Kidney disease is a serious condition.
You may be at increased risk for other cancers, such as leukaemia, if you receive a carmustine injection. You should ask your doctor about the risk.
If either the mother or father is taking this medication, it may cause harm to an unborn child.
- Do not take carmustine while pregnant if you're a woman. To prevent pregnancy, use birth control while taking carmustine. Use birth control for a minimum of 6 months following your last carmustine injection or implant placement.
- Use effective birth control if you're a man and your partner can get pregnant. Continue to use birth control at least three months after the last injection or implant placement.
- Do not wait to tell your doctor if you become pregnant while using carmustine.
This medication may have an effect on male fertility (the ability to reproduce). It is still important to use birth control to avoid pregnancy, as carmustine may harm the unborn child. You should not breastfeed for 7 days following the placement of the carmustine implants or while you are receiving the carmustine injectable.
How to take Carmustine?
Carmustine is injected into a vein once every six weeks. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider. Infusions of carmustine can take up to 2 hours. If you experience any pain or swelling when the carmustine injection is administered, tell your carers. After brain tumour surgery, a carmustine implant will be placed in your brain. Carmustine increases your risk of bleeding or infection. You will have to undergo frequent medical tests. The results of your tests may delay cancer treatment. Carmustine may have a long-lasting effect on your body. You will need to test your blood every week for 6 weeks following each dose.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you forget your appointment to receive your carmustine, call your doctor and ask for instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Carmustine can be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal supplements. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you will begin or stop using.
