Gliadel Disease Interactions

Pulmonary toxicity characterized by pulmonary infiltrates and/or fibrosis has been reported during carmustine therapy. Toxicity has occurred within nine days of initiation of therapy at doses usually > 1400 mg/m2. However, cases of delayed onset pulmonary fibrosis occurring up to 17 years after treatment have also been reported. Late reduction in pulmonary function, progressive fibrosis, and death have been noted. Risk factors include past history of lung disease and duration of treatment. Therapy with carmustine should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of pulmonary disease. Pulmonary function studies prior to and during therapy are recommended.

Nitrosoureas can induce delayed myelosuppression. The use of nitrosoureas may be contraindicated in patients with known infectious diseases. All patients should be instructed to immediately report any signs or symptoms suggesting infection such as fever, sore throat, or local infection during therapy with nitrosoureas. Close clinical monitoring of hematopoietic function is recommended.

Nitrosoureas induce delayed bone marrow suppression that is cumulative and dose-related. Thrombocytopenia is usually more severe than leukopenia. Anemia occurs less frequently and is less severe. Patients should be instructed to immediately report any signs or symptoms suggesting bone marrow suppression such as fever, sore throat, local infection, bleeding or symptoms of anemia. Therapy with nitrosoureas should be administered cautiously in patients with bone marrow suppression. Blood counts should be monitored at least six weeks after a dose and dosage adjustments made based on the nadir blood counts of the previous dose.

Renal abnormalities such as azotemia, and progressive decline in renal function have been reported after prolonged therapy with large doses of carmustine and lomustine. Lower total doses have also resulted in kidney damage. Therapy with carmustine or lomustine should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of or predisposition to renal dysfunction. Clinical monitoring of renal function is recommended.

A reversible increase in liver transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin levels has been reported during therapy with nitrosoureas. Therapy with nitrosoureas should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of or predisposition to compromised hepatic function.