Question 1

What is Myleran (busulfan)?

Accepted Answer

Myleran (busulfan) is an oral anticancer medication approved to improve the quality of life and relieve cancer symptoms (palliative care) for people with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). It’s a type of medication called an [alkylating agent](https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/alkylating-agent). It works by damaging the cancer cells’ genetic material, leading to cell death. Since there are newer medications available, Myleran (busulfan) is [no longer a recommended treatment option](https://www.nccn.org/patients/guidelines/content/PDF/cml-patient.pdf) for CML.

Question 2

What other conditions has Myleran (busulfan) been used for?

Accepted Answer

Myleran (busulfan) is only FDA approved for use in CML. Although it’s not approved for any other purpose, [some providers might consider](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/ajh.25303) using Myleran (busulfan) to treat two rare blood conditions ([myeloproliferative neoplasms](https://www.nccn.org/patients/guidelines/content/PDF/mpn-patient.pdf)) that haven’t responded to first-choice options. These conditions include [essential thrombocythemia](https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6594/essential-thrombocythemia) (where your body produces too many [platelets](https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/platelet)) and [polycythemia vera](https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/7422/polycythemia-vera) (where your body produces too many red blood cells). But Myleran (busulfan) [isn’t a standard treatment](https://jnccn.org/view/journals/jnccn/15/10/article-p1193.xml) for these conditions because of its potential risk of causing secondary cancers. This is when a different cancer develops while you’re taking medication for a condition that you already have. If you have either of these two blood conditions, discuss with your provider about your options.

Question 3

What’s the difference between Myleran (busulfan) and busulfan (Busulfex)?

Accepted Answer

These two medications both contain busulfan as its active ingredient. Myleran (busulfan) is an oral tablet that’s no longer recommended for CML. On the other hand, [busulfan (Busulfex)](https://www.goodrx.com/busulfan/what-is) is an injection that’s given through the vein (intravenous or IV). The injectable form is FDA approved and [used more commonly](https://www.astctjournal.org/article/S1083-8791(16)30249-X/pdf) in chemotherapy regimens given before a stem cell transplant for CML.

Question 4

Are there any serious risks if I take Myleran (busulfan)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, taking Myleran (busulfan) can have serious risks. Most commonly, Myleran (busulfan) can cause your red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet counts to drop, especially with higher doses of this medication. When the number of these cells are lower than normal, you’re at risk of developing [anemia](https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/low-blood-counts/anemia.html), infections, and bleeding or bruising. Your blood cell counts typically go back to normal, but in some cases, this can take a long time. This is because your chemotherapy medications can weaken your bone marrow and affect its ability to make new blood cells like normal. Your provider will closely [monitor your blood counts](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/diagnostics/cbc-medical-abbreviations) through routine lab work while you’re taking Myleran (busulfan). If your blood counts are low, you might have to stop taking this medication. Let your provider know as soon as possible if you experience fevers, chills, tiredness, or bleeding and bruising that doesn’t stop or go away.

Question 5

What are some other risks of taking Myleran (busulfan)?

Accepted Answer

In rare cases, Myleran (busulfan) can cause __lung damage and scarring__ ([pulmonary fibrosis](https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/pulmonary-fibrosis)). This can take several months to years to develop after starting the medication. Notify your provider right away if you start experiencing a cough or difficulty breathing. In addition, some people taking Myleran (busulfan) have developed __secondary cancers__. This is when a cancer (like a different blood cancer or solid tumor) develops while you’re taking medication for a condition that you already have. Some people have also had __seizures__ while taking this medication. Before starting Myleran (busulfan), make sure to tell your provider if you have a history of seizures, head injury, or take [medications that can make you more likely to have a seizure](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/seizure/drugs-that-lower-seizure-threshold). Also, Myleran (busulfan) can lower your ability to have a baby (__infertility__), so discuss with your provider if you have any concerns about family planning.

Question 6

What is palliative care?

Accepted Answer

Generally, [palliative care](https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/advanced-cancer/care-choices/palliative-care-fact-sheet#:~:text=palliative%20care%20research%3F-,What%20is%20palliative%20care%3F,whole%2C%20not%20just%20their%20disease.) is treatment that tries to improve the quality of life of someone who has a serious medical condition, in addition to treating their condition. If you receive palliative care, your care team will focus on providing physical comfort and easing side effects, as well as giving you emotional, social, and spiritual support. Palliative treatments can be curative (treating to cure), but not always.

Myleran

What is Myleran (busulfan)?

What is Myleran (busulfan) used for?

Are you looking for information on busulfan injection (Busulfex) or melphalan (Alkeran) instead?

Drug facts

Common questions about Myleran

Myleran (busulfan) dosage

Typical dosage for Myleran (busulfan)

How much does Myleran (busulfan) cost?

$8,916.13

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Common questions about Myleran

What is Myleran (busulfan)?

What is Myleran (busulfan) used for?

Are you looking for information on busulfan injection (Busulfex) or melphalan (Alkeran) instead?

Drug facts

Get your GoodRx coupon

Common questions about Myleran

What is Myleran?

What other conditions has Myleran been used for?

What’s the difference between Myleran and busulfan (Busulfex)?

Are there any serious risks if I take Myleran?

What are some other risks of taking Myleran?

What is palliative care?

Myleran (busulfan) dosage

Typical dosage for Myleran (busulfan)

How much does Myleran (busulfan) cost?

$8,916.13

Common questions about Myleran

What is Myleran?

What other conditions has Myleran been used for?

What’s the difference between Myleran and busulfan (Busulfex)?

Are there any serious risks if I take Myleran?

What are some other risks of taking Myleran?

What is palliative care?