Re: Old CML drug side effects Lottie

[Guest guest]

Gosh Lottie I was on Busulfan (which  is myleran) for 27 long years before

Gleevec came out

It kept me alive.  but it is a hard drug to take, wonder why they stopped using

it

SkipD

dx'ed 30++++

From: Lottie Duthu <lotajam@...>

Subject: [ ] Old CML drug side effects

" CML " < >

Date: Wednesday, August 27, 2008, 4:26 AM

Still long for the good old days??? This is what they used to give CML patients:

Myerlan and Busulfan. Think you have it bad now??????

a.. Nausea and vomiting (usually mild with standard doses).

b.. Diarrhea (usually mild with standard doses).

c.. Poor appetite.

d.. Mouth sores.

e.. Loss of fertility. Meaning, your ability to conceive or father a child may

be affected by busulfan. This effect is dose dependent. Discuss this issue with

your health care provider.

f.. Discoloration of the skin, especially in the creases of the hands and nail

beds.

g.. Skin rash

h.. Itching

a.. Lung problems, After long-term or high-dose therapy a syndrome known as

" busulfan lung " may occur. This may be a delayed toxicity occurring 1 to 10

years after discontinuation of treatment. Symptoms include cough, shortness of

breath and fever.

b.. Liver problems, seen with high dose therapy such as used in bone marrow

transplant setting. (syndrome consists of enlarged liver, jaundice, ascites and

liver failure).

c.. Adrenal insufficiency (low production of needed steroids produced by the

adrenal glands). Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency are:

d.. Fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, weakness,

and dizziness. Be sure your health care provider is aware if you are

experiencing these symptoms. If adrenal insufficiency occurs replacement

steroids may be needed.

e.. Seizures may occur with high doses used in bone marrow transplant.

Anti-seizure medications are often used to prevent this.

f.. Increased risk of secondary cancer such as acute leukemia especially with

long-term use of the drug. Discuss this with your doctor.

g.. http://www.chemocar e.com/bio/ busulfan. asp

Blessings,

Lottie