BICNU

Drug Name: BICNU

BICNU DESCRIPTION:
CARMUSTINE - INJECTION (kar-MUST-een)

COMMON BICNU BRAND NAME(S):
BiCNU

BICNU SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea, dizziness, flushing or irritation at the injection site may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor promptly. Notify your doctor if you develop: mouth sores, easy bruising or bleeding, weakness, skin rash, itching, flu-like symptoms (fever, chills), breathing trouble, coughing, vision changes, chest pain, fast heartbeat. BICNU affects your blood cells reducing your ability to fight off infections. Notify your doctor if you develop any signs of an infection (fever, chills). If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE BICNU:
BICNU: BICNU is administered by infusion into a vein over a 1-2 hour period. The dose and frequency of use of BICNU will be determined in part by your condition and your response to previous therapy. Follow your doctor's instructions closely and be sure to ask any questions you may have about this therapy.

BICNU WARNING:
Carmustine has caused severe, even fatal, lung problems (pulmonary toxicity) and severe blood disorders (e.g., bone marrow suppression). Pulmonary toxicity may not be seen until years after BICNU has been used. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop easy bruising or bleeding, breathing problems, an infection with symptoms such as persistent fever, sore throat, chills or unusual fatigue. The chances of developing these problems increase as more of BICNU is used. A history of lung problems also increases the chance of pulmonary toxicity. Your doctor will monitor your blood cells for at least 6 weeks after a dose is given. Future doses may be adjusted accordingly. Doses must not be given more frequently than every 6 weeks.

BICNU USES:
Carmustine is used to treat various cancers, Hodgkin's disease or tumors.

BICNU PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver or kidney disease, lung disease, shingles, recent exposure to chickenpox, blood disorders, allergies (especially drug allergies). BICNU must be handled carefully because it can irritate the skin. BICNU is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using BICNU. Women of child-bearing age are advised to use reliable birth control during treatment. It is unknown if BICNU is excreted into breast milk. Due to possible fetal harm, breast-feeding while using BICNU is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution is advised when using BICNU in children. Serious lung problems may develop later after use in children.

BICNU DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including: cimetidine, digoxin, phenytoin. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

BICNU OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

BICNU NOTES:
Laboratory tests and blood tests will be done frequently to monitor the effectiveness of BICNU and to prevent side effects.

MISSED BICNU DOSE:
It is important that each dose be used as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

BICNU STORAGE:
Store BICNU in the refrigerator as directed. Check the expiration date on the label and properly discard of any unused medication after that time. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.