Carmustine (BCNU)
Say it: kar-MUS-teen · Brand names: BiCNU, Gliadel
Carmustine is a chemotherapy medicine that damages the DNA of cancer cells so they cannot grow.
What it is
Carmustine sticks to the DNA inside cells and links the strands together. This damage stops cancer cells from copying themselves, so they die. It can reach the brain, which is why it is used for some brain tumors.
Often used for
- brain tumors
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- multiple myeloma
- high-dose treatment before a stem cell transplant
How you get it
Carmustine (BiCNU) is most often given through a vein (IV) over 1 to 2 hours. It is often given as one high dose before a stem cell transplant, or once every 6 weeks for other cancers. A different form is a small wafer that a surgeon places in the brain after removing a tumor (Gliadel). Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Nausea and vomiting. Take your anti-nausea medicine as your team tells you.
- Low blood counts, which often drop several weeks after treatment. Wash your hands often and avoid people who are sick.
- Flushing, dizziness, or low blood pressure during the IV. Tell your nurse if you feel unwell. The drip can be slowed.
- Feeling tired. Rest when you need to.
- Pain or burning at the IV site. Tell your nurse right away.
- Changes in liver blood tests. Your team will check these.
Call your care team right away if you have
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills
- New or worse cough, or shortness of breath, even months or years after treatment
- Unusual bleeding or bruising, or blood in your urine or stool
- Yellow skin or eyes
- After the brain wafer: a seizure, a bad headache, new weakness or confusion, or fluid or redness at the wound
Before you start, tell your team
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- If you have lung problems or have had radiation to your chest
- If you smoke
- If you have liver or kidney problems
- If you have had carmustine before
- All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take
Good to know
- Carmustine can cause lung damage. It can happen during treatment or even many years later. You will have breathing tests before and during treatment.
- Blood counts drop slowly and are often lowest 4 to 6 weeks after a dose. You will have blood tests for several weeks.
- It may slightly raise the risk of another cancer later in life.
- The brain wafer can cause seizures, brain swelling, and slow wound healing. Your team will watch you closely after surgery.
Questions to ask
- Which form of carmustine will I get?
- When should I have breathing tests, and for how long?
- When will my blood counts be lowest?
- What should I do if I start coughing or feel short of breath later on?
Part of these treatment plans
Side effect guides
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Carmustine (BCNU)?
- Carmustine is a chemotherapy medicine that damages the DNA of cancer cells so they cannot grow. Brand names: BiCNU, Gliadel.
- What is Carmustine (BCNU) used for?
- brain tumors; Hodgkin lymphoma; non-Hodgkin lymphoma; multiple myeloma; high-dose treatment before a stem cell transplant.
- How is Carmustine (BCNU) given?
- Carmustine (BiCNU) is most often given through a vein (IV) over 1 to 2 hours. It is often given as one high dose before a stem cell transplant, or once every 6 weeks for other cancers. A different form is a small wafer that a surgeon places in the brain after removing a tumor (Gliadel). Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Carmustine (BCNU)?
- Nausea and vomiting. Low blood counts, which often drop several weeks after treatment. Flushing, dizziness, or low blood pressure during the IV. Feeling tired. Pain or burning at the IV site. Changes in liver blood tests.
- When should I call my care team while taking Carmustine (BCNU)?
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills; New or worse cough, or shortness of breath, even months or years after treatment; Unusual bleeding or bruising, or blood in your urine or stool; Yellow skin or eyes; After the brain wafer: a seizure, a bad headache, new weakness or confusion, or fluid or redness at the wound.
- Which chemotherapy plans include Carmustine (BCNU)?
- BEAM.
Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.