Carmustine Implant

What is this medication?

CARMUSTINE (kar MUS teen) treats brain cancer. It works by slowing down the growth of cancer cells.

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, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• If you or your partner are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

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

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication 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 care team for regular checks on your progress. You may need blood work while taking this medication.

Talk to your care team if you or your partner wish to become pregnant or think either of you might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects for 6 months after it is implanted. A negative pregnancy test is required before it is implanted. A reliable form of contraception is recommended for 6 months after the medication is implanted. Talk to your care team about effective forms of contraception. Do not father a child for 3 months after this medication is implanted. Use a condom during sex during this time period.

Do not breast-feed for at least 7 days after this medication is implanted.

This medication may cause infertility. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Fever, neck pain or stiffness, sensitivity to light, headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, which may be signs of meningitis
• Increased pressure around the brain—severe headache, blurry vision, change in vision, nausea, vomiting
• Seizures
• Site infection—skin redness, swelling, warmth, or pain around implant site

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

• Constipation
• Nausea
• Unusual weakness or fatigue
• Vomiting

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 medication is given in a hospital. It 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.