CARMUSTINE/POLIFEPROSAN 20 - IMPLANT

CARMUSTINE/POLIFEPROSAN 20 - IMPLANT

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (kar-MUS-teen/POL-ee-FEP-roe-san)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Gliadel

GENERIC NAME(S): carmustine in polifeprosan 20

Uses

USES: This medication is an implant used to treat certain types of brain tumors (such as malignant glioma). The implant is a combination product (wafer) made of carmustine and polifeprosan 20. Carmustine belongs to a class of drugs known as alkylating agents. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. Polifeprosan 20 helps control the release of carmustine in the brain.


How to use CARMUSTINE/POLIFEPROSAN 20 - IMPLANT

HOW TO USE: This implant is placed in the space left after surgery to remove a brain tumor. The implant will slowly dissolve and release the medication in your brain. The number of implants (wafers) placed is based on the amount of space in the brain. Usually, up to 8 wafers may be placed at one time during surgery.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, or abdominal/back pain may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. People using this medication may have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: swelling/redness/warmth or poor healing at surgery site, signs of infection (such as fever, stiff neck), chest pain, mental/mood changes (such as depression, anxiety), signs of high fluid pressure within the skull (such as severe headache, confusion, vision changes), weakness. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: seizure. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice any other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before receiving carmustine/polifeprosan 20, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using carmustine. Carmustine may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control (such as condoms, birth control pills) with your doctor. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: This medication may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has swallowed it and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Faq for CARMUSTINE/POLIFEPROSAN 20 - IMPLANT

Carmustine/Polifeprosan 20 - Implant is used in the treatment of certain types of brain tumors. It is a combination of carmustine, a chemotherapy drug, and polifeprosan 20, a biodegradable polymer.

This implant is placed directly into the brain during surgery. It is inserted into the cavity created after the removal of the brain tumor.

Common side effects of this implant include wound healing complications, infection, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, brain edema, seizures, loss of neurological function, and adverse reactions related to the carmustine component.

After implantation, the drug is gradually released over a period of several weeks within the cavity. The implant itself remains in the body permanently.

Carmustine/Polifeprosan 20 - Implant has shown effectiveness in delaying tumor progression and improving overall survival in patients with certain types of brain tumors.

No, this implant is specifically indicated for the treatment of malignant glioma, particularly newly diagnosed high-grade malignant glioma.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.