What is Gliadel?
Gliadel can be used to treat brain tumours.Gliadel can be given in combination with other cancer medications, with radiation therapy, or after brain surgery.Gliadel can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Gliadel
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.Infusion reactions can occur during or 2 hours after the injection. It may cause skin redness or redness of the eye, as well as severe warmth and tingling beneath your skin.You may experience side effects for many weeks, or even years, after receiving Gliadel.
Gliadel may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Easy bruising and unusual bleeding
- A seizure;
- Unexplained weight loss
- There is little or no urine production.
- Pain, swelling, or changes in the skin where the injection is given
- Slow healing of the incision following Gliadel implant placement
- A dry cough, shortness of breath, especially with exercise, fatigue, body aches, and clubbing of the fingers or toes are all signs of lung problems.
- Increased pressure in your skull can cause sudden vision problems, headaches, or nausea.
- Signs of meningitis: fever; neck stiffness and increased sensitivity to lights; nausea; vomiting; confusion; and drowsiness.
Gliadel can cause the following side effects:
- Bleeding, bruising;
- Tiredness;
- Nausea, vomiting,
- Breathing problems
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor if experiencing symptoms. Alternatively, the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report side effects.
Warnings
Gliadel lowers blood cells, which help the body fight infection and clot your blood. This medicine may also cause serious lung issues. Gliadel will require frequent medical testing. If you experience unusual bleeding or bruising, fatigue, weakness, or breathing problems, call your doctor.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to Gliadel, it is best not to use the product.
Inform your doctor immediately of any of the following conditions:
- Lung disease or breathing problems
- Bone marrow suppression is a condition that occurs when bone marrow cells are suppressed.
- Kidney disease is a serious condition.
You may be at increased risk for other cancers, such as leukaemia, if you receive Gliadel. Discuss this matter with your physician.Gliadel can harm an unborn child if either the mother or father uses this medicine.
- Do not take Gliadel while pregnant if you're a woman. While receiving this medication, use birth control. Use birth control for 6 months following your last injection or implant placement.
- Use effective birth control if you're a man and your partner can get pregnant. Continue to use birth control at least three months after the last injection or implant placement.
- Do not wait to tell your doctor if you become pregnant while using Gliadel.
This medication may have an effect on male fertility (the ability of men to have children). Gliadel may harm an unborn child, so it's important to use birth control to avoid pregnancy.You should not breastfeed for 7 days following the placement of Gliadel implants or while you are receiving a Gliadel injection.
How to take Gliadel?
Gliadel is injected into a vein once every six weeks. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider.Gliadel should be administered slowly. An infusion may take up to 2 hours.If you experience any pain or swelling when Gliadel injections are given, tell your carers.After brain tumour surgery, a Gliadel implant is implanted in your brain.Gliadel increases your risk of bleeding and infection. You will be required to undergo frequent medical tests. The results of your tests may delay cancer treatment.Gliadel has a long-lasting effect on the body. You will need to test your blood every week for 6 weeks following each dose.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you missed your appointment to have your Gliadel, call your doctor and ask for instructions.
What happens if you overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Gliadel may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
