Carmustine (Intravenous Route)

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Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, medicines like carmustine can sometimes cause some unwanted effects such as blood problems, loss of hair, and other side effects ; these are described below. Also, because of the way these medicines act on the body, there is a chance that they might cause other unwanted effects that may not occur until months or years after the medicine is used. These delayed effects may include certain types of cancer, such as leukemia. Discuss these possible effects with your doctor.

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:

• Cough
• Pain or redness at the injection site
• Shortness of breath

• Black, tarry stools
• Blood in the urine or stools
• Cough or hoarseness, accompanied by fever or chills
• Fever or chills
• Flushing of the face
• Lower back or side pain, accompanied by fever or chills
• Painful or difficult urination, accompanied by fever or chills
• Pinpoint red spots on the skin
• Sores in the mouth or on the lips
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

• Decrease in urination
• Swelling of the feet or lower legs

• Abdominal or stomach pain, severe
• Bleeding gums
• Bone pain
• Chest pain
• Cloudy urine
• Confusion
• Dark urine
• Decreased frequency or amount of urine
• Difficulty with swallowing
• Dizziness
• Dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• Dry mouth
• Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• Feeling of warmth
• Hives
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased thirst
• Itching
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain in the lower back or side
• Pale skin
• Puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• Redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• Skin rash
• Sore throat
• Sweating
• Swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs
• Swollen glands
• Thirst
• Tightness in the chest
• Troubled breathing
• Troubled breathing with exertion
• Weight gain
• Wheezing
• Yellow eyes or skin

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:

• Diarrhea
• Discoloration of the skin along the injection site

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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