Carmustine

Carmustine is used to treat cancer of lymphatic system, brain and certain types of cancers of bone marrow. It may also be used to treat other types of cancer. It can be used alone, or together with certain other medicines as part of combination chemotherapy.

Carmustine is generally administered by a doctor or a nurse. You should not self-administer this medicine at home. This dose and duration of the treatment will depend on what you are being treated and the severity of your condition. You should get the injection regularly for as long as the doctor has prescribed.

The most common side effects of this medicine include nausea, vomiting, constipation, depression, sleepiness, speech disorder, rash, hair loss, headache, weakness, fever, and pain. Other than this, some patients might notice thrombophlebitis, paralysis of one side of the body, convulsion, confusion, and brain swelling. It is very strong medicine and some people may develop serious side effects while taking it. This medicine may lower your ability to fight infections and lead to problems with your blood, lungs, liver, or kidneys. Your doctor will advise you regular blood tests to check for these.

Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have liver, lungs, or kidney problems or are taking any medicines to treat infections. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your doctor know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It may harm your baby. You and your partner should avoid becoming pregnant or fathering a child for several months after your treatment with it has stopped.

• Brain tumor

Brain tumor
Brain tumor is an abnormal mass or collection of cells that may be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). Carmustine kills or stops the growth of cancer cells and also prevents the multiplication of cancer cells. It is a potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Carustine

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Fever
• Rash
• Constipation
• Weakness
• Confusion
• Infection
• Hair loss
• Convulsion
• Depression
• Speech disorder
• Brain swelling
• Thrombophlebitis
• Hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of the body)
• Sleepiness
• Hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of the body)
• Pain

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

Carmustine is an anti-cancer medication. It works by damaging the genetic material (DNA and RNA) of the cancer cells. This stops their growth and multiplication.

• Carmustine is given as an injection into the veins under the supervision of a doctor.

Chabner BA, Bertino J, Cleary J, et al. Cytotoxic Agents. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. p. 1686.

Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 211-13.

Carmustine. India: Emcure Pharmaceuticals; 2013. [Accessed 26 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:

Carmustine. Princeton, New Jersey: Bristol-Myers Squibb; 2011. [Accessed 26 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:

Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). [Accessed 27 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from: