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Busulfan

Busulfan Side Effects

Jenny Zhang, PharmD, BCOPCydnee Ng, PharmD
Reviewed by Jenny Zhang, PharmD, BCOP, Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on August 10, 2022

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea (98%)
  • Mouth sores or inflammation (97%)
  • Vomiting (95%)
  • Weight loss or lack of appetite (85%)
  • Diarrhea (84%)
  • Difficulty sleeping (84%)
  • Fever (80%)
  • Stomach pain (72%)
  • Anxiety (72%)
  • Headache (69%)

Less Common Side Effects

  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Chills
  • General pain
  • Indigestion or acid reflux
  • Constipation
  • Stuffy nose
  • Rash
  • High blood sugars

Busulfan serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

  • Serious infections: repeated fevers, chills, cough, trouble breathing, severe diarrhea, vomiting, painful or frequent urination
  • Serious bleeds: bleeding or bruising that doesn’t stop or go away, large amount of bleeding, blood in the urine, throwing up blood, bloody or black and tarry stool
  • Severe liver problems: yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, right upper stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, loss of appetite
  • Heart problems: chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, swelling of the legs or feet
  • Seizures

Source: DailyMed

The following Busulfan side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Black, tarry stools

bloated abdomen or stomach

blood in the urine or stools

blurred vision

chest pain

cough or hoarseness

dizziness

fast or irregular breathing

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

fever or chills

headache

lower back or side pain

nervousness

pain and fullness in the upper abdominal or stomach

painful or difficult urination

pinpoint red spots on the skin

pounding in the ears

skin rash or itching

slow heartbeat

swelling of the eyes or eyelids

tightness in the chest

trouble breathing

unusual bleeding or bruising

weight gain

yellow eyes and skin

Incidence not known

seizures

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Acid or sour stomach

back pain

belching

bloody nose

depression

diarrhea

difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)

fear

heartburn

indigestion

loss of appetite

lack or loss of strength

sneezing

stomach discomfort or upset

stuffy nose or runny nose

swelling or inflammation of the mouth

tenderness, pain, swelling, warmth, skin discoloration, and prominent superficial veins over affected area

trouble sleeping

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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