Carmustine – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interaction

Carmustine - Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interaction
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Article Summary

Carmustine (BCNU) is a parenterally administered alkylating agent used alone and in combination with other antineoplastic agents in the treatment of several forms of cancer including leukemias, lymphomas, and breast, testicular, ovarian, gastric, and pancreatic cancer. Carmustine therapy is associated with minor transient serum enzyme elevations and has been linked to cases of acute liver injury including cholestatic hepatitis and acute venous-occlusive disease. Carmustine is...

Key Takeaways

  • This article explains Mechanism of Action in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Indications in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Use in Cancer in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Contraindication in simple medical language.
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Indications

  • For the treatment of brain tumors, , Hodgkin’s disease, and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas.
  • Carmustine is effective in the following neoplasms as a single agent or in combination with other antineoplastic agents and/or other measures (, surgery): Brain tumors (glioblastoma, brain-stem gliomas, medulloblastoma, astrocytoma, and ependymoma), brain metastases, Secondary therapy in non-Hodgkin’s and Hodgkin’s disease as conditioning treatment prior to autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation (HPCT) in malignant hematological diseases.
  • Astrocytomas
  • Brain Stem Gliomas
  • Ependymomas
  • Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)
  • Medulloblastomas
  • Mycosis Fungoides (MF)
  • Newly Diagnosed High Grade Glioma (HGG)
  • Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)
  • Hodgkin Lymphoma
  • Refractory Multiple
  • Tumors Metastatic to Brain
  • Refractory Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Use in Cancer

Carmustine is approved to be used alone or with other drugs to treat:

  • Brain tumors (certain types).
  • Hodgkin lymphoma. It is used with other drugs in patients whose disease has not gotten better with other treatment or has recurred (come back).
  • Multiple myeloma. It is used with prednisone.
  • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is used with other drugs in patients whose disease has not gotten better with other treatment or has recurred (come back).

Carmustine is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.

  • a bad
  • acute
  • decreased blood platelets
  • low levels of white blood cells
  • low levels of a type of white blood cell called neutrophils
  • bleeding
  • a condition where there is formation of fibrous tissue in the lung called
  • results showing lung tissue changes
  • liver problems
  • decreased function
  • abnormal liver function tests
  • pregnancy
  • a patient who is producing milk and breastfeeding

Strengths: 100 mg; 7.7 mg; 50 mg; 300 mg

Brain/Intracranial

IV:

  • As a single agent in previously untreated patients: 150 to 200 mg/m2 IV every 6 weeks administered as a single dose or divided into daily injections (75 to 100 mg/m2 IV on two successive days)
  • In combination with other myelosuppressive drugs or in patients in whom reserve is depleted, doses should be adjusted accordingly.

Adjust doses after the initial dose according to the hematologic response of the patient to the preceding dose. The following schedule is suggested by the manufacturer as a guide:

  • Nadir after prior dose: Leukocytes greater than 4000/mm3 and platelets greater than 100,000/m3: Give 100% of the prior dose.
  • Nadir after prior dose: Leukocytes 3000 to 3999/mm3 and platelets 75,000 to 99,999/m3: Give 100% of the prior dose.
  • Nadir after prior dose: Leukocytes 2000 to 2999/mm3 and platelets 25,000 to 74,999/m3: Give 70% of the prior dose.
  • Nadir after prior dose: Leukocytes less than 2000/mm3 and platelets less than 25,000/m3: Give 50% of the prior dose

IV: As palliative therapy as a single agent or in combination therapy with other approved chemotherapeutic agents in the following:

  • Brain tumors glioblastoma, glioma, medulloblastoma, astrocytoma, ependymoma, and metastatic brain tumors
  • Multiple myeloma in combination with prednisone
  • Relapsed or refractory Hodgkin’s lymphoma in combination with other approved drugs
  • Relapsed or refractory Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas in combination with other approved drugs

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

IV:

  • As a single agent in previously untreated patients: 150 to 200 mg/m2 IV every 6 weeks administered as a single dose or divided into daily injections (75 to 100 mg/m2 IV on two successive days)
  • In combination with other myelosuppressive drugs or in patients in whom bone marrow reserve is depleted, doses should be adjusted accordingly.

Adjust doses after the initial dose according to the hematologic response of the patient to the preceding dose. The following schedule is suggested by the manufacturer as a guide:

  • Nadir after prior dose: Leukocytes greater than 4000/mm3 and platelets greater than 100,000/m3: Give 100% of the prior dose.
  • Nadir after prior dose: Leukocytes 3000 to 3999/mm3 and platelets 75,000 to 99,999/m3: Give 100% of the prior dose.
  • Nadir after prior dose: Leukocytes 2000 to 2999/mm3 and platelets 25,000 to 74,999/m3: Give 70% of the prior dose.
  • Nadir after prior dose: Leukocytes less than 2000/mm3 and platelets less than 25,000/m3: Give 50% of the prior dose.

IV: As palliative therapy as a single agent or in combination therapy with other approved chemotherapeutic agents in the following:

  • Brain tumors glioblastoma, brainstem glioma, medulloblastoma, astrocytoma, ependymoma, and metastatic brain tumors
  • Multiple myeloma in combination with prednisone
  • Relapsed or refractory Hodgkin’s lymphoma in combination with other approved drugs
  • Relapsed or refractory Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas in combination with other approved drugs

Hodgkin’s Disease

IV:

  • As a single agent in previously untreated patients: 150 to 200 mg/m2 IV every 6 weeks administered as a single dose or divided into daily injections (75 to 100 mg/m2 IV on two successive days)
  • In combination with other myelosuppressive drugs or in patients in whom bone marrow reserve is depleted, doses should be adjusted accordingly.

Adjust doses after the initial dose according to the hematologic response of the patient to the preceding dose. The following schedule is suggested by the manufacturer as a guide:

  • Nadir after prior dose: Leukocytes greater than 4000/mm3 and platelets greater than 100,000/m3: Give 100% of the prior dose.
  • Nadir after prior dose: Leukocytes 3000 to 3999/mm3 and platelets 75,000 to 99,999/m3: Give 100% of the prior dose.
  • Nadir after prior dose: Leukocytes 2000 to 2999/mm3 and platelets 25,000 to 74,999/m3: Give 70% of the prior dose.
  • Nadir after prior dose: Leukocytes less than 2000/mm3 and platelets less than 25,000/m3: Give 50% of the prior dose.

IV: As palliative therapy as a single agent or in combination therapy with other approved chemotherapeutic agents in the following:

  • Brain tumors glioblastoma, brainstem glioma, medulloblastoma, astrocytoma, ependymoma, and metastatic brain tumors
  • Multiple myeloma in combination with prednisone
  • Relapsed or refractory Hodgkin’s lymphoma in combination with other approved drugs
  • Relapsed or refractory Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas in combination with other approved drugs

Multiple Myeloma

IV:

  • As a single agent in previously untreated patients: 150 to 200 mg/m2 IV every 6 weeks administered as a single dose or divided into daily injections (75 to 100 mg/m2 IV on two successive days)
  • In combination with other myelosuppressive drugs or in patients in whom bone marrow reserve is depleted, doses should be adjusted accordingly.

Adjust doses after the initial dose according to the hematologic response of the patient to the preceding dose. The following schedule is suggested by the manufacturer as a guide:

  • Nadir after the prior dose: Leukocytes greater than 4000/mm3 and platelets greater than 100,000/m3: Give 100% of the prior dose.
  • Nadir after prior dose: Leukocytes 3000 to 3999/mm3 and platelets 75,000 to 99,999/m3: Give 100% of the prior dose.
  • Nadir after prior dose: Leukocytes 2000 to 2999/mm3 and platelets 25,000 to 74,999/m3: Give 70% of the prior dose.
  • Nadir after the prior dose: Leukocytes less than 2000/mm3 and platelets less than 25,000/m3: Give 50% of the prior dose.

IV: As palliative therapy as a single agent or in combination therapy with other approved chemotherapeutic agents in the following:

  • Brain tumors glioblastoma, brainstem glioma, medulloblastoma, astrocytoma, ependymoma, and metastatic brain tumors
  • Multiple myeloma in combination with prednisone
  • Relapsed or refractory Hodgkin’s lymphoma in combination with other approved drugs
  • Relapsed or refractory Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas in combination with other approved drugs

Glioblastoma Multiforme

WAFER:

  • Eight 7.7 mg wafers (61.6 mg total dose) were implanted intracranially

WAFER:

  • Newly-diagnosed high-grade glioma as an adjunct to surgery and radiation
  • Recurrent glioblastoma as an adjunct to surgery

Malignant Glioma

WAFER:

  • Eight 7.7 mg wafers (61.6 mg total dose) were implanted intracranially

Side Effects

The Most Common

  • loss of balance or coordination
  • pale skin
  • fast or irregular heartbeat
  • darkened skin
  • swelling, pain, redness, or burning at the injection site
  • Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, rash, skin changes, difficulty breathing or talking, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Nausea (interferes with the ability to eat and is unrelieved with prescribed medication).
  • upset stomach
  • extreme tiredness or weakness
  • lack of energy
  • loss of appetite
  • pain in the upper right part of the stomach
  • yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • decreased urination
  • swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
  • Carmustine injection may cause other side effects.

More Common

  • easy bruising, unusual bleeding;
  • a seizure;
  • unexplained weight loss;
  • little or no urination; or
  • pain, burning, swelling, or skin changes where the injection was given;
  • slow healing of your incision after carmustine implant placement;
  • lung problems–a dry cough or hack, shortness of breath (especially with exercise), rapid but shallow breathing, tiredness, body aches, clubbing (widening and rounding) of your fingertips or toes;
  • increased pressure inside your skull–sudden vision problems, severe headache, vomiting, dizziness; or
  • signs of meningitis–fever, neck stiffness, increased sensitivity to light, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and drowsiness.

Rare

  • difficulty breathing,
  • swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat,
  • skin redness,
  • eye redness,
  • severe warmth or tingling under your skin,
  • easy bruising,
  • unusual bleeding,
  • seizure,
  • unexplained weight loss,
  • little or no urination,
  • pain, burning, swelling, or skin changes where the injection was given,
  • slow healing of your incision after implant placement,
  • dry cough or hack,
  • shortness of breath,
  • rapid bur shallow breathing,
  • tiredness,
  • body aches,
  • clubbing (widening and rounding) of your fingertips or toes,
  • sudden vision problems,
  • severe headache,
  • vomiting,
  • dizziness,
  • neck stiffness,
  • increased sensitivity to light,
  • confusion, and
  • drowsiness

Interaction

Pregnancy and Lactation

AU TGA pregnancy category: D
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned.

Pregnancy

Drugs which have caused, are suspected to have caused or may be expected to cause, an increased incidence of human fetal malformations or irreversible damage. These drugs may also have adverse pharmacological effects. Accompanying texts should be consulted for further details.

Lactation

No information is available on the use of carmustine during breastfeeding. Most sources consider breastfeeding to be contraindicated during maternal antineoplastic drug therapy, especially alkylating agents such as carmustine.[1] The manufacturer recommends that breastfeeding be discontinued during carmustine therapy and for 1 month after the last dose.

How should this medicine be used?

Carmustine injection comes as a powder to be added to fluid and injected over at least 2 hours intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor or nurse in a medical office or hospital outpatient clinic. It is usually injected once every 6 weeks. It may also be injected in smaller doses once a day for 2 days in a row every 6 weeks.

Your doctor may need to delay your treatment or adjust your dose if you experience certain side effects. It is important for you to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with carmustine.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before receiving a carmustine injection,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to carmustine or any of the ingredients in the carmustine injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements, you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: cimetidine (Tagamet) and phenytoin (Dilantin). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Other medications may also interact with carmustine, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. You should not become pregnant while you are receiving carmustine injections. If you become pregnant while receiving carmustine, call your doctor. Carmustine may harm the fetus.

References

  1. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Carmustine
  2. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00262
  3. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682060.html
  4. https://www.drugs.com/pregnancy/carmustine.html
  5. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-19920/carmustine-intravenous/details/list-contraindications
  6. ChemIDplus Chemical Information Classification
  7. N,N’-Bis(2-chloroethyl)-N-nitrosourea
    CompTox Chemicals Dashboard Chemical Lists
  8. NCI Thesaurus Tree
  9. 1,3-Bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea, (alias Carmustine) – FY2009
  10. IARC Classification
  11. 1-(2-Chloroethyl)-1-([(2-chloroethyl)amino]carbonyl)-2-oxohydrazine
    1,3-BIS-(2-CHLOROETHYL)-1-NITROSOUREA
    1,3-BIS-(2-CHLOROETHYL)-1-NITROSOUREA
    1,3-Bis-(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea
    1,3-Bis-(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea
  12. LICENSE
    The Thieme Chemistry contribution within PubChem is provided under a CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license, unless otherwise stated.
  13. Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating
  14. PubChem
  15. LICENSE
    Academic users may freely use the KEGG website. Non-academic use of KEGG generally requires a commercial license
    Therapeutic category of drugs in Japan
    Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification
  16. Guide to Pharmacology Target Classification
  17. LICENSE
    Data: CC-BY 4.0; Code (hosted by ECI, LCSB): Artistic-2.0
    NORMAN Suspect List Exchange Classification
  18. NCBI

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Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

  • Write when the problem started and how it changed.
  • Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
  • Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
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Questions to ask

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
  • Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
  • How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
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Tests to discuss

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Avoid these mistakes

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  • Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
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This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

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OTC medicine safety

  • For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
  • Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
  • Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
  • Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

  • Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.
Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

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Questions to ask
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Care roadmap for: Carmustine – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interaction

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
  • Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
  • Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration
Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

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