BiCNU (Carmustine) for Lymphoma

Overview
BiCNU, also known by its drug name, carmustine, is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. BiCNU is most often prescribed in cases where lymphoma is refractory (has not responded to previous treatments) or has relapsed (returned after previous effective treatment). BiCNU is often combined with other drugs.

BiCNU is an anticancer drug used in chemotherapy. BiCNU is a member of a class of drugs called alkylating agents. BiCNU is believed to work by preventing the production of DNA in cells, thereby blocking cell division.

How do I take it?
BiCNU is administered as an intravenous infusion during chemotherapy treatment.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for BiCNU lists common side effects including fatigue, headaches, eye problems, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, skin rash, hair loss, gynecomastia (the development of breast tissue in men), and increased risk for infection.

Rare but serious side effects listed for BiCNU include damage to skin, lungs, liver, or eyes, seizures, increased risk for other cancers, fetal harm in pregnant women, and the risk of infertility in men.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

BiCNU — RxList
www.rxlist.com/bicnu-drug.htm

Carmustine — Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
www.lls.org/treatment/types-of-treatment/chemot...