Busulfan (Systemic)

Brand Names : Myleran, Busulfex

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may have some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Also, because of the way these medicines act on the body, there is a chance that they might cause other unwanted effects that may not occur until months or years after the medicine is used. These delayed effects may include certain types of cancer, such as leukemia. Discuss these possible effects with your doctor.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Black, tarry stools; blood in urine or stools; cough or hoarseness; fever or chills; inflammation of the mouth; lower back or side pain; painful or difficult urination; pinpoint red spots on skin; unusual bleeding or bruising

Less common

Chest pain; dizziness; fast or irregular breathing; joint pain; light-headedness; puffiness or swelling around face; rapid heartbeat; shortness of breath; sudden, severe decrease in blood pressure; sweating; swelling of fingers, hands, arms, lower legs, or feet; sweating; tingling in lower legs, hands, or feet

Rare

Blurred vision; difficulty swallowing; heartburn; severe upper abdominal and back pain; vomiting blood

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Abdominal pain; anxiety; diarrhea; general fatigue or muscle pain; headache; missed or irregular menstrual periods; loss of appetite; nausea and vomiting; rash; trouble in sleeping; weight loss (sudden)

Less common

Bloody nose; confusion; constipation; darkening of skin; depression; dry mouth; inflammation at place of injection; itching; sore throat or cough; stuffy nose, runny nose, or sneezing

After you stop taking busulfan, it may still produce some side effects that need attention. During this period of time, check with your doctor if you notice any of the following:

Black, tarry stools; blood in urine or stools; cough or hoarseness, accompanied by fever or chills; fever or chills; lower back or side pain, accompanied by fever or chills; painful or difficult urination, accompanied by fever or chills; pinpoint red spots on skin; shortness of breath; unusual bleeding or bruising

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.