This patient-friendly article is about chemotherapy drug, Busulphan (Myleran, Busilvex) which is a chemotherapy drug most often given as low dose treatment for a long time to treat chronic myeloid leukaemia. Or you may have it in higher doses before a bone marrow or stem cell transplant for other types of cancer and leukaemia. Busulfan tablets are called Myleran and the injections are called Busulfix. Busulfan is an alkylating agent, which works by sticking to one of the cancer cells DNA strands. The cell cannot then divide into two new cells.
Side effects can include: fatigue, increased risk of infection, anaemia, bruising, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, possible loss of fertility.
Go to: 10 ways to improve your chemotherapy success and reduce side-effects
Other articles that you may find interesting are:
- A diet for Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy overview
- A to Z Guide to Complementary Therapies
Go to: Return to the CANCERactive drug list