MYLERAN (BUSULFAN)

Myleran Description

Myleran is an alkylating agent that your doctor may prescribe if you have been diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia, or CML. This is a blood and bone marrow disease that can occur during or after reaching middle-age and rarely happens in children. CML is a result of your bone marrow making too many white blood cells.

You will need to undergo regular blood tests before treatment with Myleran starts and during so blood cell levels and other substances can be monitored and it’s important to know how well your liver and kidneys are functioning. Your doses of Myleran may be higher if you are taking it in preparation for a stem cell or bone marrow transplant.

How Myleran Works

When taken as directed, the active ingredient in Myleran, called Busulfan, will work to interfere with the DNA so the cancer cells cannot ‘read’ their codes in order to be able to copy the DNA and create even more cancer cells. If they cannot divide, they die. This is not a cure for chronic myelogenous leukemia, but it will reduce your symptoms and will allow you more years to enjoy your family and socializing with friends.

Conditions Treated by Myleran

With the advancement of cancer drugs over the last decade or two, not all cancers have a fatal outcome. Many people with CML are in their 50’s or 60’s when this cancer becomes apparent with symptoms of weight loss for no reason, a fever, always feeling tired, night sweats, and a pain on your left side below your ribs. Myleran and other anti-cancer meds are able to provide most CML patients with a normal life-span.

Before You Receive a Myleran Prescription

Discuss your medical history with your doctor or oncologist and list any Rx drugs you currently take or use, including OTC medications, herbal remedies, and all vitamin or dietary supplements. This will help to determine if Myleran is the right drug for your situation. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any meds without consulting with your doctor first.

Myleran Precautions

Until you know how you will react to Myleran, do not drive or attempt any activity that could result in an injury as you can bruise or bleed more easily. You will be at a higher risk for infections so avoid crowds where there is an increase of people with colds or flu. You may feel like your emotions are up and down because your blood count is affected. Store Myleran and other drugs out of the reach of children.

Possible Side Effects of Myleran

• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Breathlessness
• Loss of appetite