What is this medicine?

CARMUSTINE, BCNU (kar MUS teen) is a chemotherapy drug. It interferes with the growth of rapidly growing cells like cancer cells. This medicine is used to treat brain tumors, multiple myeloma, Hodgkin's disease, and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• infection (especially a virus infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)
• low blood counts like low platelets, red blood cells, or white blood cells
• lung disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to carmustine, BCNU, other chemotherapy, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This drug is given as an infusion or injection into a vein. It is administered in a hospital or clinic by a specially trained health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medicine?

• cimetidine
• medicines to increase blood counts like filgrastim, pegfilgrastim, sargramostim
• other chemotherapy drugs
• some medicines for seizures like ethotoin, fosphenytoin, phenytoin
• vaccines

Talk to your doctor or health care professional before taking any of these medicines:

• acetaminophen
• aspirin
• ibuprofen
• ketoprofen
• naproxen

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.