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Home > Drug Category > Cancer Medications > Myleran and Equivalent

Myleran Information

Myleran (busulfan) is used in adults to manage the symptoms of chronic granulocytic (myelocytic, myeloid) leukemia and prevent it from getting worse. Chronic granulocytic leukemia is a cancer that starts in certain blood-forming cells found in the bone marrow. Myleran can be used in patients who have not had any other treatment for their cancer and can also be used in patients who have previously had their cancer treated with radiation or P32 therapy. Myleran should not be given to children. Myleran belongs to a group of anti-cancer medicines called alkylating agents. These medicines work by stopping cancer cells from growing and dividing.

Myleran Side Effects

The most common side effects of Myleran may include fever, chills, headache, weakness; pain; nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea; fast heartbeats; changes in your menstrual periods; blisters or ulcers in your mouth, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing; dry mouth, nose, or throat; dry or thinning skin, darkened skin color; breast swelling; sleep problems (insomnia); or anxiety. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects such as:
• A seizure;
• Adrenal gland problems (nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss and severe weakness or tired feeling);
• Cough, trouble breathing, chest pain, wheezing;
• Coughing with bloody mucus;
• Easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin;
• Fever, chills, tiredness, sore throat;
• Pale skin, cold hands and feet;
• Persistent cough, congestion, or breathing problems that occur several months or years after using busulfan;
• Signs of a heart problem (stomach pain, vomiting, sharp chest pain, trouble breathing);
• Signs of liver problems (weight gain, stomach swelling) • Signs of an electrolyte imbalance (muscle contractions and weakness, leg cramps, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination);
• Sexual problems- in women: reduced fertility, missed periods early menopause (irregular or no periods, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, chills, night sweats), in girls: delayed or absent puberty, in boys and men: delayed, reduced or stopped sperm production, reduction in testicle size;
• Vision problems.

Myleran Precautions

Do not use Myleran if you are allergic to busulfan or to any other ingredients in this medication or if you have low neutrophil (a white blood cell) or platelet cell counts or if your cancer has shown resistance to busulfan. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have low blood counts for red blood cells, white blood cells and/or platelet cells; have the blood disorder thalassemia; have had radiation or chemotherapy in the past or are recovering from recent chemotherapy; are receiving or have recently received live vaccines; have had a stem cell transplant; have chronic lung disease; have lung or breathing problems; have had seizures or head trauma or taken a medicine which can cause seizures; have kidney or liver problems; are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed; are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Tell your doctor about all the medications you take including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Myleran and other medications. Men and women must use effective birth control while taking Myleran. You must not get pregnant or father a child while taking Myleran as it may harm your/your female partner’s unborn baby. Talk to your healthcare professional about the birth control methods that are right for you while you are taking Myleran. Myleran can cause infertility in both women and men. This means you might not be able to get pregnant or father a child after you have finished taking Myleran. You should discuss ways to preserve your fertility with your healthcare professional before you start taking Myleran. Male patients should consider sperm preservation before they start taking Myleran. Your healthcare professional will do weekly blood tests while you are taking Myleran. Busulfan affects your immune system. You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Call your doctor if you have a fever, chills, cough, mouth sores, or unusual bleeding or bruising.

Do I need a prescription to order Myleran?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Myleran.