Carmustine (Implantation)

Introduction:

Carmustine (kar-MUS-teen)

Used together with surgery to treat brain cancer.

Brand Name(s):

Gliadel

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• This medicine is a small wafer that is placed in your brain during surgery.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breast feeding. You should not breast feed while you are using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Bloody, or black tarry stools.
• Bloody vomit, or burning pain in your throat.
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
• Confusion, weakness, or muscle twitching.
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea, or vomiting.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• High fever, severe headache, seizures, vomiting, or stiff neck.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
• Pain in your lower leg (calf).
• Seizures
• Slow wound healing, bleeding of your surgical incision.
• Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Back pain, neck pain, or pain in your eyes.
• Depression
• Mild nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: