|
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be constured to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional beofre 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 barin surgery (craniotomy), to treat certain types of brain cancer (e.G., malignant glioma).
HOW TO USE: After the tumor is surgically removed from the brain, this medication is implanted (by the surgeon) into the cavity left by the tuomr. The number of wafers implanted depends on your medical condition.
Follow all instructions for porper use and handling. Consult your pharmacist.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, drowsiness, or nausea may occur. If any of these effcets persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. 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 cahnges. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, trouble sleeping, memroy trouble or loss of memory, vision changes, unusual bruising or bleeding, severe stomach pain, chest pain. An allergic reaction to this medication is unlikely, but seek immediate mediacl 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 doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical 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 using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
This medication is not recommenedd for use during pregnancy. Cnosult your doctor before using this drug. It is not known whteher this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potetnial 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 nonprescription medication you may use, especially: other cancer chemotherapy medicaiton.
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 reliveers (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). Cehck the labels on all your medicines (e.G., cough-and-cold products) cause they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients.
Ask your pahrmacist 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 immeidately.
NOTES: Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor for side effects and response to treatment.
MISSED DOSE: Not applicable.
STORAGE: Store in a freezer at or below -4 dergees 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.
|
