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Carmustine review
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Carmustine is an anti-cancer drug used to treat different types of cancers. It is considered as an alkylating agent.
Carmustine is a drug that was introduced in the United Kingdom and distributed by Bristol-Myers Squibb under the brand name BiCNU. It is a chemotherapy drug given to patients who have cancers like lymphomas, brain tumors and myeloma.
The dosage for the Carmustine is determined by the doctor based on the patient’s health condition and the degree of the cancer. It is usually given together with other chemotherapy drug to complete a treatment session. This also determines on how long the treatment will last. Since Carmustine is in a form of liquid, it is administered through intrusion method.
Some side effects may occur to patients who are under medication with Carmustine. The degree of side effects may vary depending on the dosage being taken and the health condition of the patient.
Some patients experience nausea or feel sick just a few hours after the drug is administered. In this case, doctors usually prescribe anti-sickness drugs.
Carmustine also affects the body’s immune system in fighting infections making you vulnerable to different infections. This usually happens after several days of treatment but will gradually return to normal after a few weeks.
Some patients may become Anemic while under treatment with Carmustine. This will cause the patient to feel tired easily and sometimes experience difficulties in breathing. Others may experience diarrhea and loss in appetite. If loss of appetite occurs, the doctors usually advice you on how to boost up your appetite or may recommend a good diet for you.
Carmustine may also affect the normal function of the liver and lungs. In this case, it would be best to attend regular check up so that your doctor can monitor your health condition.
If any of the side effects occur, you must immediately inform your doctor.
Before you agree to undergo treatment through a chemotherapy drug like the Carmustine, it is essential to discuss some important matters to your doctor. Inform your doctor if you are experiencing any other health problems. You must also provide the lists of medicines you are presently taking that include vitamins, herbal medicines, supplements, prescribed and non prescribed drugs. This will help your doctor conduct an assessment based on the information you have provided.
Patients under treatment should avoid extreme activities that may lead to injuries. Vaccinations must be avoided unless there is consent from the doctor. It is also helpful to maintain good hygiene to avoid infections.
It is also recommended to avoid too much intake of alcohol and smoking while under medication because this may have an interaction with the drug.
This drug is intended to be administered only by doctors and certified medical professionals and should never be taken without any prescription.
Pregnant women, breast feeding mothers and those planning to get pregnant must first discuss with a doctor before treatment starts.
It is also important for you to know that Carmustine may affect your fertility. This is a very serious matter which you should thoroughly discuss with your doctor.
Carmustine has the following structural formula:
• Molecular formula of carmustine is C5H9Cl2N3O2
• Chemical IUPAC Name is 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitroso-urea
• Molecular weight is 214.049 g/mol
Brand name(s): Becenun, Bicnu, Carmubris, Carmustin, Gliadel, Nitrumon
Review published on: 24 June 2009
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