carmustine/polifeprosan 20 - implant, Gliadel

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GENERIC NAME: CARMUSTINE/POLIFEPROSAN 20 - IMPLANT (kar-MUST-een/poh-LIF-eh-pro-sin 20)

BRAND NAME(S): Gliadel

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used with brain surgery and radiation to treat a certain type of brain tumor ( malignant glioma). It is also used with surgery to treat a type of malignant glioma (glioblastoma multiforme) that comes back.Carmustine works by stopping the growth of tumor cells. It helps to kill any leftover tumor cells that are not taken out by the surgery. Polifeprosan 20 works by controlling the release of carmustine into the area where the brain tumor was taken out.

HOW TO USE: This medication is placed by a surgeon during brain surgery into the area where the brain tumor was taken out. The implant will dissolve slowly, releasing the medication to the surrounding area. Follow all your doctor's instructions on what to do before and after surgery.The number of implants placed is based on the size of the area to cover. The maximum recommended dose is 8 implants placed at each surgery.Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.