Carmustine Accordpharma
Carmustine Accordpharma is a cancer medicine that slows down the growth of cancer cells.
Form
kuiva-aine ja liuotin välikonsentraatiksi infuusionestettä varten, liuos
Strength
300 mg
Active Ingredient
Carmustine
Manufacturer
Accord Healthcare B.V.
How to Use
Dosage
The typical dose for adults is 150-200 mg per square meter of body surface, given every 6 weeks.
Method
This medicine is given as an infusion into a vein (drip) over 1 to 2 hours, protected from light. The infusion should take at least one hour to prevent pain or a burning feeling at the injection site.
Important
When the dose is split, the maximum daily dose is 100 mg per square meter of body surface for two consecutive days.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Delayed decrease in blood cells from bone marrow, which can increase the risk of infections if white blood cells are low.
- •Lack of muscle coordination.
- •Dizziness.
- •Headache.
- •Temporary eye redness and blurred vision due to bleeding in the retina.
- •Low blood pressure.
- •Inflammation of veins, with pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness.
- •Lung-related illnesses and difficulty breathing.
- •Severe lung damage (can be life-threatening) that may occur years after treatment. Symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent cough, chest pain, and lasting weakness/tiredness.
- •Severe nausea and vomiting.
- •Skin inflammation (dermatitis) when used on the skin.
- •Temporary skin or nail darkening if medicine accidentally touches the skin.
- •Acute leukemia and abnormal bone marrow development. Symptoms can include gum bleeding, bone pain, fever, repeated infections, nosebleeds, swollen lymph nodes (neck, armpits, stomach, groin), pale skin, shortness of breath, weakness, tiredness, or low energy.
- •Anemia (low red blood cell count).
- •Brain disease. Symptoms can include muscle weakness in one area, difficulty making decisions or concentrating, involuntary twitching, tremors, trouble speaking or swallowing, and seizures.
- •Loss of appetite.
- •Constipation.
- •Diarrhea.
- •Inflammation of the mouth and lips.
- •Reversible liver toxicity with high doses, which can cause increased liver enzymes and bilirubin (seen in blood tests).
- •Hair loss.
- •Skin redness.
- •Reactions at the injection site.
RARE
- •Liver veno-occlusive disease where small veins in the liver become blocked. Symptoms can include fluid buildup in the abdomen, enlarged spleen, severe bleeding from the esophagus, and yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.
- •Breathing problems due to scar tissue in the lungs (interstitial fibrosis) with low doses.
- •Kidney problems.
- •Male breast enlargement (gynecomastia).
- •Muscle pain.
- •Seizures, including ongoing seizures (status epilepticus).
- •Tissue damage at the injection site if the medicine leaks.
- •All signs of infection.
- •Infertility.
- •Harmful effects on unborn children's development.
- •Abnormal electrolyte levels (low potassium, magnesium, and phosphate in the blood).
Important Warnings
- Do not use if you are allergic to carmustine or any other ingredient in this medicine.
- Do not use if you have severe bone marrow problems or low blood cell counts (platelets, white or red blood cells).
- Do not use if you have severe kidney problems.
- Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Do not give this medicine to children or adolescents under 18 years old.
Show 2 more warnings
- Tell your doctor right away if you have sudden wheezing, trouble breathing, swelling in your face or lips, rash, itching, or feel faint, as these can be signs of a serious allergic reaction or lung damage.
- This medicine contains alcohol which can interact with other medicines and affect your ability to drive.