Gliadel : Uses, Side Effects, Interactions & More
Why is this medication prescribed?
Gliadel (Carmustine Implant) is used along with surgery and sometimes radiation therapy to treat malignant glioma (a certain type of cancerous brain tumor). Carmustine belongs to a class of medications called alkylating agents. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in your body.
How should this medicine be used?
Gliadel (Carmustine Implant) comes as a small wafer that a doctor places in the brain during surgery to remove the brain tumor. The doctor places the Gliadel wafers directly into a brain cavity that was created when the brain tumor was removed. After being placed in the brain, the wafers dissolve and slowly release Gliadel into the surrounding areas where the tumor was located.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before receiving Gliadel,
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to carmustine or any of the ingredients in the Gliadel. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while receiving a Gliadel, call your doctor. Gliadel can harm the fetus.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Gliadel may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea
- vomiting
- constipation
- diarrhea
- rash
- confusion
- depressed mood
- pain
- drowsiness or sleepiness
- extreme tiredness or weakness
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- seizures
- severe headache, stiff neck, fever, and chills
- slowed healing of wounds
- sore throat; cough; fever; flu-like symptoms; warm, red, or painful skin; or other signs of infection
- swelling of feet, hands, or face
- unable to move one side of the body
- severe bleeding
- confusion
- impaired speech
- chest pain
Gliadel can cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medicine.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor can submit a report online to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What other information should I know?
Keep all your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor will order certain laboratory tests to check your body’s response to the Gliadel.
It is important that you keep a written list of all prescription and over-the-counter (over-the-counter) medications you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you every time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to take with you in case of emergencies.
Brand Names
- Gliadel®
Disclaimer: DrLinex has made every effort to ensure that all information is factually accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a licensed health care professional’s choice of knowledge and expertise. You should always consult your doctor or other health care professional before taking any medication. The information given here is subject to change and it has not been used to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions or adverse effects. The lack of warning or other information for any drug does not indicate that the combination of medicine or medication is safe, effective or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.