Biknu

Biknu is an anticancer therapeutic drug.

Indications Biknu

It is used in such conditions:

• neoplasms in the brain (cerebral glioma, astrocytoma, glioblastoma or medulloblastoma, as well as ependymoma);
• brain tumors with metastases;
• myeloma (used with prednisone);
• Hodgkin's lymphoma (in combination with other medicines);
• lymphomas with non-Hodgkin etiology.

[1], [2]

Release form

The release of the drug is made in the form of a powder for the manufacture of an infusion fluid, in bottles. The box contains 1 such bottle, to which is attached a container with a special solvent.

Pharmacodynamics

Biknu is an anticancer drug that has an alkylating effect. Included in the category of nitrosourea derivatives. It has an effect on phosphate and basic DNA groups, as a result of which gaps and cross-linking of their molecules occur.

The drug is a cyclone-specific compound. The effect of carmustine may also develop due to protein modification.

[3], [4], [5]

Pharmacokinetics

The drug at high speed undergoes the process of intrahepatic metabolism, in which active metabolic products are formed. The latter are able to persist inside the blood plasma for several days.

The active element passes through the BBB.

Excretion occurs mostly through the kidneys - by 60-70% (in the form of metabolic products). Another 1% is excreted in faeces and 10% through the respiratory ducts.

[6], [7], [8]

Dosing and administration

Infusion is carried out through an IV drip, intravenously (for at least 1-2 hours).

When monotherapy is administered one-time 0.15-0.2 g / m ^{2 of the} substance (or 0.075-0.1 g / m ² for 2 consecutive days) with a 6-week interval. Further portions are selected, given the hematological response to previous infusions.

[11]

Use Biknu during pregnancy

Carefully monitored adequate safety testing using Biknu during pregnancy has not been implemented. There is only some evidence that carmustine exerts an embirotoxic effect in human pregnancy.

Experimental tests on animals revealed that the embryotoxic effect developed in pregnant rabbits and rats. In the case of the use of dosages that are prescribed to humans, rabbits with rats developed teratogenic effects.

Women who are at reproductive age should use reliable contraceptives during therapy.

There is no information as to whether carmustine is excreted in breast milk. If you want to use it during lactation, you should stop breastfeeding.

Contraindications

It is contraindicated to prescribe to people with a strong intolerance against carmustine.

[9]

Side effects Biknu

The introduction of a therapeutic agent may cause the appearance of separate side effects:

• disorders of hematopoietic processes: often myelodepression occurs. Anemia may develop;
• digestive disorders: often vomiting with nausea. Hepatotoxicity symptoms may develop - an increase in transaminase activity, as well as bilirubin or alkaline phosphatase parameters;
• problems affecting the respiratory system: there may be foci of fibrosis or infiltrates in the lung area;
• lesions of the urinary system: with prolonged administration of the drug in large cumulative dosages, the size of the kidneys decreases or azotemia develops progressive nature;
• intravenous infusion at high speed: there may be a burning sensation in the injection area, severe skin redness or swelling of the conjunctiva over a period of 2-4 hours;
• other symptoms: pain in the sternum, signs of allergies, tachycardia, headaches, neuroretinitis, and a decrease in blood pressure.

[10]

Overdose

There is no antidote to eliminate intoxication resulting from an overdose of the drug. Due to the high level of myelotoxicity and the toxic effect exerted by the medicine on the liver, kidneys and lungs, hospitalization of the affected person is required in order to carry out symptomatic and detoxification measures.

Interactions with other drugs

Combination with other medicines that cause the development of myelodepression, can lead to additive suppression of bone marrow function.

The combination with drugs with nephrotoxic or hepatotoxic properties, causes potentiation of the symptoms of nephrotoxic or hepatotoxicity.

Biknu reduces the volume of antibodies formed relative to the introduction of an inactivated virus vaccine (along with this, an increase in the intensity of virus replication of the vaccine and potentiation of its negative manifestations may be observed). Therefore, the interval between the last use of carmustine and the implementation of vaccination should be within 3-12 months.

[12], [13], [14]

Storage conditions

Biknu should be kept in a place closed to the penetration of children. Temperatures - within the limits of 2-8 ° C.

[15]

Shelf life

Biknu allowed to apply within 36 months from the date of manufacture of a therapeutic agent.

Application for children

Use in pediatrics is prohibited, because therapeutic efficacy and safety of the drug have not been proven.

Analogs

Analogues of the medication are drugs such as Lomat, Sinu and Lomustine with Myustoforan.