Carmustine Accord
Carmustine Accord is a cancer medicine that slows down the growth of cancer cells.
Form
kuiva-aine ja liuotin välikonsentraatiksi infuusionestettä varten, liuos
Strength
100 mg
Active Ingredient
Carmustine
Manufacturer
Accord Healthcare B.V.
How to Use
Dosage
Your doctor will determine your dose based on your illness and body size, usually 150-200 mg/m² given intravenously every six weeks, or split into 75-100 mg/m² on two consecutive days.
Method
The medicine is given as an infusion directly into a vein (drip) over 1-2 hours. It is important that the infusion lasts at least one hour to prevent pain or a burning sensation at the injection site.
Important
The maximum dose, 600 mg/m², is only given before a stem cell transplant.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets, which can increase the risk of infections, bleeding, and fatigue.
- •Dizziness or headache.
- •Problems with coordination (ataxia).
- •Eye redness, blurred vision, or bleeding in the eye.
- •Low blood pressure.
- •Vein inflammation (pain, swelling, redness at the injection site).
- •Lung diseases, breathing difficulties, and severe lung damage (may appear years after treatment). Contact your doctor immediately if you have shortness of breath, persistent cough, chest pain, or constant fatigue.
- •Severe nausea and vomiting.
- •Skin inflammation or darkening of skin/nails if the medicine comes into contact with the skin.
- •Acute leukemia or bone marrow syndromes (e.g., bleeding gums, bone pain, fever, recurrent infections, nosebleeds, swollen lymph nodes, pale skin, shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue).
- •Anemia (low red blood cell count).
- •Brain disease (encephalopathy) with symptoms such as muscle weakness, difficulty concentrating, twitching, tremors, speech or swallowing difficulties, seizures.
- •Loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea, inflammation of the mouth and lips.
- •Reversible liver toxicity (increased liver enzymes and bilirubin).
- •Hair loss, skin redness, reactions at the injection site.
RARE
- •Blockage of liver blood vessels (veno-occlusive disease) with symptoms such as fluid accumulation in the abdomen, enlarged spleen, esophageal bleeding, yellowing of skin and eyes.
- •Kidney problems.
- •Breast growth in men (gynecomastia).
- •Muscle pain.
- •Epileptic seizures.
- •Tissue damage at the injection site (due to leakage).
- •Signs of infection.
- •Infertility.
- •Electrolyte imbalances (low blood potassium, magnesium, or phosphate levels).
Important Warnings
- Do not use if you are allergic to carmustine or its ingredients.
- Do not use if you have severe bone marrow damage or low blood counts (platelets, white blood cells) due to chemotherapy or other reasons.
- Do not use if you have severe kidney problems.
- This medicine must not be given to children or adolescents under 18 years old.
- Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 7 days after.
Show 3 more warnings
- Pregnant women should not use this medicine as it can harm the unborn baby. Use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months afterwards.
- Men: Use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months afterwards to prevent your partner from becoming pregnant.
- If you experience symptoms like sudden shortness of breath, swelling, or rash, contact your doctor immediately as these could be signs of a severe allergic reaction.