Product image of Karmustin Teva (Carmustine) supplied by GNH India

Karmustin Teva

Active Ingredient:
Carmustine
Origin:
EU

Karmustin Teva (Carmustine)

Carmustine, the active ingredient in Karmustin, is an alkylating agent presented as an intravenous solution for intravenous use. It is employed in the treatment of several malignant neoplasms, including primary brain tumors and various lymphomas.
GNH India supplies Karmustin as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals worldwide.

Manufacturer / TM Owner

Teva B.V

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Indications & Clinical Uses

Carmustine is an alkylating chemotherapy used primarily for malignant solid tumours and lymphoid cancers.

  • Glioblastoma multiforme: provides cytotoxic activity to reduce tumor growth and improve survival.
  • Hodgkin's lymphoma: contributes to disease remission when combined with multi‑agent regimens.
  • Non‑Hodgkin's lymphoma: offers tumor cell kill as part of combination chemotherapy.
  • Melanoma: used in advanced disease to achieve disease control.
  • Multiple myeloma: incorporated into protocols to target plasma‑cell proliferation.

How It Works

  • Carmustine acts as a DNA‑cross‑linking alkylating agent. It transfers chloroethyl groups to the O6 position of guanine, forming interstrand cross‑links that block DNA replication and transcription. The resulting DNA damage triggers apoptosis in rapidly dividing cancer cells, while sparing most non‑dividing tissues.

Side Effects

Carmustine may cause a range of adverse reactions that vary in frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea and vomiting: often managed with antiemetics.
  • Myelosuppression: decreased white blood cells, platelets, and red cells.
  • Alopecia: temporary hair loss during treatment cycles.
  • Fatigue: generalized tiredness common during therapy.
  • Pulmonary toxicity: mild interstitial changes detectable on imaging.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

  • Severe pneumonitis: may progress to respiratory failure.
  • Hepatic dysfunction: elevated liver enzymes or cholestasis.
  • Seizures: especially in patients with brain involvement.
  • Secondary malignancies: rare long‑term risk of therapy‑related cancers.

Precautions & Warnings

Carmustine requires careful monitoring and specific safety measures before and during therapy.

  • Monitor blood counts: perform complete blood count before each infusion and as clinically indicated.
  • Assess pulmonary function: obtain baseline lung tests and repeat periodically, especially after cumulative doses.
  • Avoid concurrent thoracic radiation: combined treatment increases risk of severe lung toxicity.
  • Use prophylactic antiemetics: to reduce nausea and vomiting associated with infusion.
  • Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake the solution.

Avoid Interactions

Carmustine can interact with other medicines, altering efficacy or toxicity.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

  • Concurrent alkylating agents: markedly increase myelosuppression risk.
  • Thoracic radiation therapy: synergistic pulmonary toxicity.
  • High‑dose corticosteroids: may exacerbate immunosuppression.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

  • CYP450 inducers (e.g., rifampin): may reduce carmustine exposure.
  • Nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., cisplatin): increase renal adverse effects.
  • Hepatotoxic agents (e.g., azole antifungals): heighten liver toxicity potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Karmustin, whose active ingredient is carmustine, is indicated for several aggressive cancers, including glioblastoma multiforme and other primary brain tumours, Hodgkin's lymphoma, non‑Hodgkin's lymphoma, melanoma, and multiple myeloma. It is administered as part of multi‑agent chemotherapy protocols to achieve tumour control and improve patient outcomes.

Carmustine belongs to the nitrosourea class of alkylating agents. It forms covalent bonds with DNA, creating interstrand cross‑links that block replication and transcription. This DNA damage triggers programmed cell death (apoptosis) in rapidly dividing cancer cells, while relatively sparing normal, non‑dividing tissues.

The exact dose of Karmustin is determined by the prescribing oncologist based on the patient’s diagnosis, body surface area, renal and hepatic function, and treatment protocol. Dosing is individualized and should follow the specific chemotherapy regimen outlined by the treating physician.

Carmustine is classified as contraindicated in pregnancy because it can cross the placenta and cause fetal harm. It is also excreted in breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Women of child‑bearing potential should use effective contraception, and breastfeeding should be avoided during treatment.

To request Karmustin, submit an enquiry on the product page at gnhindia.com, specifying the required quantity. GNH India works with hospitals, pharmacies and procurement teams worldwide, verifies trade or institutional credentials, and then provides pricing, availability, shipping details (including any cold‑chain requirements) and assistance with import documentation.

Carmustine is a nitrosourea, distinguished by its ability to cross the blood‑brain barrier, making it especially useful for primary brain tumours. Compared with other alkylators such as cyclophosphamide, carmustine has a higher risk of pulmonary toxicity but offers superior central nervous system penetration.

Karmustin should be stored refrigerated at 2‑8 °C. Keep the vial in its original packaging, protect it from light, and avoid freezing or shaking the solution. Do not use the product if it has been exposed to temperatures outside this range.

Karmustin is supplied as an intravenous solution that is administered by a qualified healthcare professional. The infusion is typically given over a period of 30‑60 minutes, depending on the protocol, and may be followed by a flush of normal saline to ensure complete delivery of the drug.

The most serious risks include severe pulmonary toxicity (interstitial pneumonitis or fibrosis), profound myelosuppression leading to infection or bleeding, hepatic dysfunction, and rare secondary malignancies. Patients should be monitored closely for respiratory symptoms, blood count changes, and liver enzyme elevations throughout treatment.

Karmustin is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to carmustine or other nitrosoureas, those with pre‑existing severe pulmonary disease, uncontrolled infections, or significant bone‑marrow failure. Caution is also advised for individuals with impaired liver or kidney function, and it should not be used during pregnancy or lactation.

Published by

GNH India Pharmaceuticals Limited

Licensed pharmaceutical supplier

Last updated:

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