Please read this in conjunction with any patient information leaflet provided by the manufacturer. However, please note that this information explains about the use of busulfan in children and young people so may differ from the manufacturer’s information.
This information explains what busulfan is, how it is given and
some of the possible side effects. Each person reacts differently to medicines,
so your child will not necessarily suffer from every side effect mentioned. If
you have any questions or concerns, please speak to your doctor, nurse or
pharmacist.
What is busulfan?
Busulfan is a chemotherapy medicine used before bone marrow transplant or
high dose therapy with stem cell rescue to help treat certain types of cancer
and metabolic conditions.
How is it given?
It can be given by mouth, through a nasogastric or gastrostomy tube (orally)
or as an infusion into a vein (intravenously) through a central venous catheter,
implantable port or PICC. It is usually given four times a day for four days. If
busulfan is given by mouth or through a nasogastric or gastrostomy tube, your
child will not be allowed to eat (nil by mouth) for two hours before and for
half an hour after each dose.
What are the side effects?
Nausea and vomiting
Anti-sickness drugs can be given to
reduce or prevent these symptoms, although this may not be allowed in some
treatment protocols. Please tell your doctor or nurse if your child’s sickness
is not controlled or persists.
Bone marrow suppression
There will be a temporary
reduction in how well your child’s bone marrow works. This means your child may
become anaemic, bruise or bleed more easily than usual, and have a higher risk
of infection. Your child’s blood counts will be checked regularly to see how the
bone marrow is working. Please tell your doctor if your child seems unusually
tired, has bruising or bleeding, or any signs of infection, especially a high
temperature.
Mouth sores and ulcers
Your child may get painful or
bleeding gums, ulcers or a sore mouth. You will be given advice about
appropriate mouth care including a copy of the mouth care leaflet. If your child
complains of having a sore mouth, please tell your doctor or nurse.
Diarrhoea
If your child has a sore mouth, he or she will
often have a sore tummy too. This can cause pain and bloating as well as
diarrhoea. Please tell the doctor or nurse if your child has diarrhoea that is
not controlled or persists. It is important that your child drinks lots of
fluids.
Hair Loss
Your child may lose some or all of his or her
hair, including eyebrows and eyelashes. This is temporary and the hair will grow
back once the treatment has finished.
Skin discolouration
Busulfan may cause your child’s skin
to develop a darker colour. This is usually temporary and should disappear once
treatment has finished.
Liver function
Busulfan can sometimes cause significant
changes to your child’s liver function. This should return to normal when the
treatment is finished. Blood tests will be taken to monitor your child’s liver
function and his or her weight and tummy measurement will be recorded. If you
notice the whites of your child’s eyes or their skin becoming yellow, please let
your doctor or nurse know immediately.
Lung problems
Busulfan may cause changes to the lung
function. If your child develops a cough, has difficulty breathing or chest
pain, please tell your doctor or nurse immediately.
Fits or Seizures
There is a small risk that your child
may have a fit or seizure during busulfan treatment. If your child is thought to
be at risk, medicine will be given to help stop this from happening.
Fertility
Depending on the combination of medicines and
the dose that your child is given, his or her fertility may be affected. If you
feel you would like more information, please discuss this with your doctor.
Secondary cancers
There is a very small risk of your
child developing a second cancer after many years. If you would like more
information, please discuss this with your doctor.
Interactions with other medicines
Some medicines can react with busulfan, altering how well it works. Always
check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving your child any other
medicine, including medicines on prescription from your family doctor (GP),
medicines bought from a pharmacy (chemist) or any herbal or complementary
medicines.
Useful telephone numbers
- GOSH switchboard 020 7405 9200
- Pharmacy department 020 7829 8680
- Pharmacy medicines information 020 7829 8608
Ref: 09F0782 © GOSH Trust November 2009
Compiled by the Pharmacy department in collaboration with the Child and Family Information Group
This information does not constitute health or medical advice and will not necessarily reflect treatment at other hospitals. If you have any questions, please ask your doctor. No liability can be taken as a result of using this information.
