Carmustine, BCNU implant wafers

What is this medication?

CARMUSTINE, BCNU (kar MUS teen) is a chemotherapy drug. It interferes with the growth of rapidly growing cells like cancer cells. This medicine is used to treat glioma and glioblastoma. The wafers are placed at a site where a brain tumor used to be, at the end of a surgery to remove the tumor.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Gliadel

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• seizures
• an unusual or allergic reaction to carmustine, BCNU, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This drug is placed into the space made when a tumor is removed. It is administered during surgery in a hospital.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your doctor for checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood work. Report any side effects.

This may interfere with the ability to father a child. You should talk to your doctor or health care professional if you are concerned about your fertility.

Do not become pregnant for 6 months after this medicine is administered. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Men should not father a child for 3 months after this medicine is administered. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant for at least 7 days after this medicine is administered.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• changes in vision
• fever
• nausea, vomiting
• seizures
• severe headache
• stiff neck and sensitivity to light

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• changes in emotions or moods
• constipation
• weakness

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This drug is given in a hospital and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.