What is a common side effect of busulfan that health care providers must monitor for?

Busulfan is a chemotherapy medication primarily used in conditioning regimens prior to stem cell transplantation. One of the notable side effects of busulfan is stomatitis and mucositis, which are inflammatory conditions that affect the mucous membranes of the mouth and digestive tract. Patients undergoing treatment with busulfan may experience painful sores, difficulty swallowing, and increased susceptibility to infections due to the breakdown in the protective mucosal barrier.

Monitoring for stomatitis and mucositis is important because these conditions can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life, hinder their ability to eat and speak, and may lead to further complications, such as dehydration or systemic infections. By being vigilant about these symptoms, healthcare providers can implement supportive care measures early, such as mouth rinses, pain management strategies, and nutritional support, to improve outcomes and patient comfort.

In contrast, other side effects listed, such as increased risk of allergies, weight gain, and fatigue, are not typically associated as primary concerns with busulfan treatment. Fatigue can occur as a side effect of many therapies, but it is not a distinguishing common side effect of busulfan in the same way as stomatitis and mucositis. Therefore, monitoring for mucositis is a critical aspect