Busulfan: how to take it safely
Myleran, Busilvex
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats chronic myeloid leukaemia, and is used before stem cell transplants.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow tablets whole with water, or the high-dose form is given by drip in hospital.
- You will have regular blood tests.
When to take it
Take it once a day, or as your doctor says.
Take it with
With or without food.
What to avoid
- Pregnancy.
- Missing your blood tests.
- Strong sunlight.
- Live vaccines unless your cancer team says so.
- Contact with people who have infections such as chickenpox or flu.
- Alcohol, unless your team says it is safe.
Possible side effects
Nausea, tiredness, skin darkening, low blood counts, dry mouth.
Get help if
Fever, signs of infection, unusual bleeding or bruising, breathlessness, a persistent cough, seizures or yellow skin or eyes: get urgent help.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.