Myleran
(busulfan)
Helps treat chronic myeloid leukemia.
Our bottom line
Myleran (busulfan) can work during the later stages of chronic myeloid leukemia when other medicines have failed, but it can potentially have dangerous risks, such as lowering your blood cell count.
- Drug class: Cancer
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Upsides
- Myleran (busulfan) has shown to relieve symptoms of disease.
- Myleran (busulfan) is a potent medicine used in later stages of chronic myeloid leukemia, where other medications have failed.
What to expect from busulfan, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- Myleran (busulfan) can cause an increased infection and bleeding risk.
- If you have a history of seizures, Myleran (busulfan) can put you at a higher risk of having a seizure.
- Requires regular blood tests.
- No generic available for the tablet form, so it may be expensive.
What to expect from busulfan, on one page
Download Fact SheetMyleran (busulfan) causes mutations in the DNA that prevent tumor cell growth, leading to decreased tumor.
- Drug class: Cancer
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
- Chronic myeloid leukemia
- Hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
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What to expect when you take Myleran (busulfan) for Chronic myeloid leukemia
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Changes in skin color
- Decreased white blood cells
- Decreased platelets
- Loss of appetite
Side effect rates for Myleran (busulfan)
Risks and Warnings for Myleran (busulfan)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Taking medicines that suppress the bone marrow
- › Prior radiation therapy
Myleran (busulfan) can cause very low counts of blood cells, including those that fight infection and stop bleeding. You will need to have blood tests done to make sure your blood cells don't drop too low, especially when you're first starting to take Myleran (busulfan). Tell your doctor if you have any infection symptoms (such as fever, sore throat, or mouth/throat swelling) that don't go away. Talk to your doctor or go to the emergency room right away if you have unusual bleeding that doesn't go away.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Myleran (busulfan)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Myleran (busulfan) can interfere with how other medicines work. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new over the counter medicines.
- Myleran (busulfan) can cause liver damage, particularly a condition called hepatic veno-occlusive disease. If you have sudden weight gain, pain on the right side of your stomach, swelling of your stomach, fluid build up in your abdomen, yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, or pale stools, talk to your doctor right away.