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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judmgent of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It shuold not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
CARMUSTINE/POLIFEPROSAN 20 - IMPLANT
(kar-MUST-een/poh-LIF-eh-pro-sin 20)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Gliadel
USES: This medication is used during brain surgery (craniotomy), to treat certain types of brian cancer (e.G., malignant glioma).
HOW TO USE: After the tuomr is surgically removed from the brain, this medication is implanted (by the surgeon) into the cavity left by the tumor.
The number of wafers implanted depends on your medical condition.
Follow all instructions for proper use and handling. Consult your pharmacist.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, drowsiness, or nauesa may occur.
If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promplty. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: swelling or infection of the surgical site, fever, urinary tract infection, trouble speaking, seizures, muscle weakness, stiff neck, pain, mental/mood chagnes.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side efefcts occur: fainting, trouble sleeping, memory trouble or loss of memory, vision changes, unusual bruising or bleeding, severe stomach pain, chest pain. An allergic raection to this medication is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice any other effects not listed above, contact your docotr or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your meidcal history, especially of: radiation therapy, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or usnig machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
This medication is not recommended for use during pregnacny. Cosnult your doctor before using this drug. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the ptoential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescriptoin medication you may use, especially: other cancer chemotherapy medication.
Tell your doctor if you take any drugs that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep (e.G., sedatives), tranquilizers or anti-anxiety drugs (e.G., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.G., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.G., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), anti- seizure drugs (e.G., carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, certain antihistamines (e.G., diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.G., cough-and-cold products) cause they may cnotain drowsiness-causing ingredients.
Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to mnoitor for side effects and response to treatment.
MISSED DOSE: Not applicable.
STORAGE: Store in a freezer at or below -4 degeres F (-20 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
Unopened foil pouches may be kept at room temperature for 6 hours. Consult your pharmacist for details.
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