MedicineNet.com

carmustine/polifeprosan 20 - implant, Gliadel

Take the Chronic Fatigue Quiz Surprising Benefits of Sex Slideshow Foods & Drinks That Make You Gotta Go Slideshow

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.

SIDE EFFECTS: Constipation, stomach/abdominal/back pain, nausea, or vomiting may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Many people using this medication have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: swelling/redness/warmth at surgery site, wound at surgery site that is opening or not healing properly, signs of an infection (e.g., fever), chest pain, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, anxiety).Seek immediate medical attention if any of these unlikely but very serious side effects occur: seizures, severe headache, extreme tiredness/weakness, confusion, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, stiff neck, fainting.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice any other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

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.