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Cancer Treatment Information

Treatment Options > Chemotherapy > OncoLink Rx

Carmustine (BCNU, BiCNU)

Hematology-Oncology Patient/Family Education Comittee
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Last Modified: November 1, 2001

Carmustine (car mus teen)
Other Names: BCNU, BiCNU

How it is given:	Carmustine is injected into a vein. It can be given alone or with other drugs.
How it works:	Carmustine slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in your body.

Side Effects And Precautions

Let your doctor or nurse know if you have any allergies and what medications you are currently taking, both prescription and over the counter medications. This includes vitamins, herbs, nutritional supplements and any recreational drugs. A sk your doctor about drinking alcoholic beverages. Not everyone experiences side effects during chemotherapy and most side effects are temporary. The side effe cts that you may experience are:

Common Side Effects

Decrease in the number of white blood cells (neutropenia).

Puts you at risk for infection.
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse for a fever of 100.4% F or greater. Avoid people with the flu or colds. When working in your yard, wear protective clothing including long pants and gloves. Do not handle pet waste. Keep all cuts or scratches clean. Shower or bath daily and refer to Chemotherapy and You (NCI, 1997) for mouth care. Do not cut cuticles or ingrown nails. You may wear nail polish but not fake nails. Ask your doctor or nurse before scheduling dental appointments or procedures. Ask your doctor or nurse before you or a family member has any vaccinations.

Decrease in red blood cells (anemia).

Causes loss of energy.
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse if you feel more tired than usual or short of breath while doing normal activities.

Decrease in platelets (thrombocytopenia).

Puts you at risk for bruising and bleeding.
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse if you notice any unusual bruising or bleeding. Do not floss or use toothpicks. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush or cotton swab. Ask your doctor or nurse before scheduling dental examinations or procedures. Use an electric razor to avoid cuts. Do not use medication containing aspirin or ibuprofen without asking your doctor or nurse.

Nausea and vomiting.

What to do: Take your anti-nausea medications as prescribed. Try to drink 6-8 glasses of fluids a day. Avoid eating fatty foods, large meals, acidic foods (e.g. tomatoes, lemons, oranges, grapefruits) and spicy or hot foods when you feel nauseated. Call your doctor or nurse if you are unable to keep fluids down for more than 12 hours or if you feel lightheaded or dizzy at any time.

Localized skin irritation

Even when carefully and correctly administered by trained personnel, this drug may cause feeling of burning and pain. Also there is a risk that this drug may leak out of the vein at the injection site. A localized skin irritation may result.
What to do: If the area of injection becomes red, swollen, or painful at anytime during or after the injection, notify your doctor or nurse immediately. Do not apply anything to the site unless instructed by your doctor or nurse.

Uncommon Side Effects

Liver changes.

Your doctor may order some blood tests to check your liver function.
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse immediately if you have abdominal pain, if you pass dark urine, or if your skin or the white of your eyes become jaundiced (yellow in color).

Kidney changes.

Your doctor may order blood tests to check your kidney function.
What to do: Try to drink 6-8 glasses of fluid a day. Call your doctor or nurse if you don't urinate for more than 12 hours.

Lung changes.

May cause breathing problems at any time, but especially after repeated treatments or with very high doses of the medication.
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse if you have shortness of breath, cough or difficulty breathing.

Sexual and reproductive changes. The menstrual cycle and sperm production may become irregular or stop permanently. Women may experience menopausal effects including hot flashes and vaginal dryness. The desire for sex may decrease during treatment. Exposure of an unborn child to this medication could cause birth defects. Men may experience enlargement of breast tissue.
What to do: Discuss with your doctor or nurse how these changes will affect you. You may want to ask about sperm banking, egg harvesting, menopausal symptoms, sexual or relationship problems. Effective birth control is necessary during treatment. Contact your doctor or nurse if you think you may be pregnant. Do not breast feed while on this medication.