Busulfan
Also known as: Myleran, Busulfex, Busulivex, Mielucin, Misulban
> **Important Safety Warning**: Busulfan is a potent chemotherapy drug. Handle with extreme care to protect yourself, your family, and the environment. * **Handling**: Always wear disposable gloves when handling the medication. Wash hands thoroughly afterward. Do not crush, break, or split tablets. * **Waste Management**: Treat your pet's waste (urine, feces, vomit) as hazardous for at least 48-72 hours post-dose. Clean up with gloves and dispose of waste in sealed plastic bags. * **Adverse Signs**: Contact your veterinarian *immediately* if you notice signs of toxicity such as: * Abnormal bleeding or unexplained bruising (signs of low platelets) * Lethargy, severe depression, or weakness (signs of anemia) * Fever or signs of infection (signs of low white blood cells) * Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing * Changes in urination
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Adjunctive therapy of chronic granulocytic leukemias or polycythemia vera
- Adjunctive therapy of chronic granulocytic leukemias or polycythemia vera
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Myelosuppression (anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia)
- Pancytopenia (can take months to years for recovery)
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia with pulmonary fibrosis (uncommon, chronic use)
- Uric acid nephropathy
- Stomatitis
Cautions & contraindications
- Patients with known hypersensitivity to busulfan
- Patients who have shown resistance to the drug in the past
- Pregnancy (FDA Category D), unless potential benefits outweigh the risks
- Nursing dams
- > **Warning**: Only veterinarians with the experience and resources to monitor the toxicity of this agent should administer this drug. * **Bone Marrow Depression**: The risk versus benefits of therapy must be carefully considered in patients with preexisting bone marrow depression or concurrent infections. * **Radiation Therapy**: Additive bone marrow depression may occur in patients undergoing concomitant radiation therapy. * **Teratogenicity**: Mutagenic in mice and may potentially cause a variety of fetal abnormalities. Avoid during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary.
Drug interactions
- Acetaminophen: Use within 72 hours prior to busulfan can reduce busulfan clearance by reducing glutathione concentrations in tissues and blood.
- Cyclophosphamide: Can potentially reduce clearance of busulfan, probably by competing for available glutathione.
- Itraconazole: Potential decreased busulfan clearance.
- Myelosuppressant agents: Concurrent use with other bone marrow depressant medications may result in additive myelosuppression.
- Phenytoin: Possible increased clearance of busulfan.
- Thioguanine: Used concomitantly with busulfan may result in hepatotoxicity.
Frequently asked questions
What is Busulfan used for in pets?
> **Important Safety Warning**: Busulfan is a potent chemotherapy drug. Handle with extreme care to protect yourself, your family, and the environment. * **Handling**: Always wear disposable gloves when handling the medication. Wash hands thoroughly afterward. Do not crush, break, or split tablets. * **Waste Management**: Treat your pet's waste (urine, feces, vomit) as hazardous for at least 48-72 hours post-dose. Clean up with gloves and dispose of waste in sealed plastic bags. * **Adverse Signs**: Contact your veterinarian *immediately* if you notice signs of toxicity such as: * Abnormal bleeding or unexplained bruising (signs of low platelets) * Lethargy, severe depression, or weakness (signs of anemia) * Fever or signs of infection (signs of low white blood cells) * Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing * Changes in urination
Is Busulfan safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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