Gliadel (injection/implant)

Generic name:carmustine (injection/implant) [ kar-MUS-teen ]
Brand names: BiCNU, Gliadel
Drug class:Alkylating agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 25, 2020. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Gliadel?

Gliadel is used to treat brain tumors, Hodgkin's disease, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Gliadel is sometimes given with other cancer medicines, with radiation or after brain surgery.

Gliadel may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Gliadel can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. This medicine can also cause serious lung problems. You will need frequent medical tests while receiving Gliadel. Call your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding, tiredness, weakness, or breathing problems.

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with Gliadel if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• lung disease or breathing problems;

• bone marrow suppression; or

• kidney disease.

Receiving Gliadel injection may increase your risk of developing other cancers, such as leukemia. Ask your doctor about this risk.

Gliadel may harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using this medicine.

• If you are a woman, do not use Gliadel if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while receiving this medicine. Keep using birth control for at least 6 months after your last injection or after implant placement.

• If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last injection or after implant placement.

• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using Gliadel.

This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in men. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because Gliadel can harm an unborn baby.

Do not breastfeed while receiving Gliadel injection, or for at least 7 days after this medicine implant placement.

How is Gliadel given?

Gliadel injection is given as an infusion into a vein, usually once every 6 weeks. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Gliadel must be given slowly, and the infusion can take at least 2 hours to complete.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when Gliadel is injected.

Gliadel implant is placed in your brain af...