Carmustine Injection

Carmustine Injection is used in the treatment of several types of brain cancer (including glioma, glioblastoma multiforme, medulloblastoma andastrocytoma), multiple myeloma and lymphoma (Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin). BCNU is sometimes used in conjunction with alkyl guanine transferase (AGT) inhibitors, such as O⁶-benzylguanine. The AGT-inhibitors increase the efficacy of BCNU by inhibiting thedirect reversal pathway of DNA repair, which will prevent formation of the interstrand crosslink between the N¹ of guanine and the N³of cytosine.

Mechanism of action:

It is Used to treat certain types of brain tumors; glioblastoma, brainstem glioma, medulloblastoma, astrocytoma, ependymoma and metastatic brain tumors. Other cancers treated with carmustine include multiple myeloma, Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, and may be used on the skin (topically) for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Dosage and Administration:

• Carmustine is usually given by an infusion into a vein (intravenous, IV).
• There is no pill form of this medication./li>
• The amount of carmustine that you will recieve depends on many factors, including your height and weight, your general health or other health problems, and the type of cancer or condition being treated. Your doctor will determine your dose and schedule.

Side effects:

The following side effects are common(occurring in greater than 30%) for patients taking carmustine:

• Nausea and vomiting, usually within 2-4 hours of infusion, lasting for about 4-6 hours. Anti-nausea medication is given prior to infusion to prevent or decrease this side effect.
• Facial flushing(see skin problems).
• Pain and burning at the injection site. (Can be relieved by diluting the drug, let your health care provider know if you are experiencing pain during the infusion).

The following side effects areless common(occurring in 10-29%) for patients receiving carmustine:

• Increases in blood tests measuring liver function, these return to normal once treatment is stopped (see liver problems). Low red blood cell count (anemia).Low blood pressure (hypotension) with high dose therapy. Dizziness, loss of coordination.

Precaution:

• Before starting carmustine treatment, make sure you tell you doctor about any other medications you are taking (including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbal remedies, etc.). Do not take , products containing unless your doctor specifically permits this.
• Do not receive any kind of immunization or vaccination without your doctor's approval while taking carmustine.
• Inform your health care professional if you are pregnant or may be pregnant prior to starting this treatment. Pregnancy category D (carmustine may be hazardous to the fetus. Women who are pregnant or become pregnant must be advised of the potential hazard to the fetus).

Store:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.Keep out of the reach of children.Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Carmustine Injection is used in the treatment of several types of brain cancer (including glioma, glioblastoma multiforme, medulloblastoma andastrocytoma), multiple myeloma and lymphoma (Hodgkin''s and non-Hodgkin). BCNU is sometimes used in conjunction with alkyl guanine transferase (AGT) inhibitors, such as O⁶-benzylguanine. The AGT-inhibitors increase the efficacy of BCNU by inhibiting thedirect reversal pathway of DNA repair, which will prevent formation of the interstrand crosslink between the N¹ of guanine and the N³of cytosine.

Mechanism of action:
It is Used to treat certain types of brain tumors; glioblastoma, brainstem glioma, medulloblastoma, astrocytoma, ependymoma and metastatic brain tumors. Other cancers treated with carmustine include multiple myeloma, Hodgkin''s disease, non-Hodgkin''s lymphomas, and may be used on the skin (topically) for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Dosage and Administration:

 Carmustine is usually given by an infusion into a vein (intravenous, IV).

 There is no pill form of this medication./li>

 The amount of carmustine that you will recieve depends on many factors, including your height and weight, your general health or other health problems, and the type of cancer or condition being treated. Your doctor will determine your dose and schedule.

Side effects:
The following side effects arecommon(occurring in greater than 30%) for patients taking carmustine:

 Nausea and vomiting, usually within 2-4 hours of infusion, lasting for about 4-6 hours. Anti-nausea medication is given prior to infusion to prevent or decrease this side effect.

 Facial flushing(see skin problems).

 Pain and burning at the injection site. (Can be relieved by the drug, let your health care provider know if you are experiencing pain during the infusion).

The following side effects areless common(occurring in 10-29%) for patients receiving carmustine:

Increases in blood tests measuring liver function, these return to normal once treatment is stopped (see liver problems). Low red blood cell count (anemia).Low blood pressure (hypotension) with high dose therapy. Dizziness, loss of coordination.

Precaution:

 Before starting carmustine treatment, make sure you tell you doctor about any other medications you are taking (including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbal remedies, etc.). Do not take , products containing unless your doctor specifically permits this.

 Do not receive any kind of immunization or vaccination without your doctor''s approval while taking carmustine.

 Inform your health care professional if you are pregnant or may be pregnant prior to starting this treatment. Pregnancy category D (carmustine may be hazardous to the fetus. Women who are pregnant or become pregnant must be advised of the potential hazard to the fetus).

Store:

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.Keep out of the reach of children.Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.