What is Gleolan?
Gleolan can be given before surgery for the removal of a glioma, a type of brain or spinal tumour.Gleolan builds up a substance in your tumour tissue. The tissue can be more easily seen through a light scope used to remove the tumour.Gleolan can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Gleolan
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.Your carers will monitor you to ensure you don't have an allergic response and treat it if you do.
You may experience side effects up to six weeks after taking Gleolan.
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Skin redness or swelling;
- Skin rash or itching;
- A seizure;
- Chills
- You may have difficulty understanding or speaking.
Gleolan can cause the following side effects:
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- Abnormal liver function tests for up to six weeks after taking Gleolan
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Reaching out to the FDA with any side effect complaints is easy - dial 1-800-FDA-1088!
Warnings
Protect your skin for 48 hours after Gleolan. This includes both bright indoor and outdoor light.
Before you take this drug
Gleolan should not be used if:
- Porphyria
If you've ever had liver disease or kidney disease, tell your doctor.Inform your doctor that you are expecting.Do not breastfeed your baby within 24 hours of using Gleolan. Throw away any milk that you have pumped, and do not give it to the child.
How to take Gleolan?
Gleolan should be taken about three hours before surgery. This medicine will be prepared by a healthcare provider and given to you.You should avoid bright lights for 48 hours following the use of Gleolan. This includes both indoor and outdoor light. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Reduce your exposure to sunlight if you experience stinging, burning, or itching on the treated area.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Gleolan does not require a daily dosage schedule and is only used in a single dose.
What happens if you overdose?
In a medical setting, an overdose is treated immediately.
What should be avoided?
Do not expose yourself to bright lights or sunlight for 48 hours following the use of Gleolan. Wear clothing and a hat that provides additional coverage of your skin.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your doctor of all the other medications you are taking. Some medicines can also make you more sensitive to bright light. Avoid these within 24 hours of taking Gleolan. This includes:
- John's wort;
- An antifungal medicine;
- An anti-sulfa medicine or an antibiotic;
- A diuretic, or "water pill".
- Topical gleolan medicine;
- Antipsychotic medication;
- An oral diabetes
This list is incomplete. Gleolan may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines and vitamin and herb products. This list does not encompass all possible drug interactions.
