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Gliadel Side Effects

Generic name: carmustine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 26, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Gliadel Side Effects associated with carmustine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Gliadel.

Applies to carmustine: implantation implant.

Other dosage forms:

Precautions

It is important that your doctor check your progress closely while you are receiving this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

Receiving this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. It may also cause birth defects if the father is receiving it when his sexual partner becomes pregnant. Female patients should use an effective form of birth control for 6 months to keep from getting pregnant after receiving the medicine. Male patients who have female partners should use effective birth control for 3 months after implantation with this medicine. If you think you have become pregnant following implantation of this medicine, tell your doctor right away.

This medicine may cause seizures after the surgical procedure. Call your doctor if you have symptoms of seizures after receiving this medicine.

This medicine may cause an increased pressure in the head (intracranial hypertension). Tell your doctor right away if you have a severe headache, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, or any change in vision after receiving the implant.

This medicine may cause a brain infection called meningitis. Tell your doctor right away if you have a severe headache, confusion, drowsiness, nausea, a general feeling of illness, or a stiff neck.

Some men receiving this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children). If you plan to have children, talk to your doctor before receiving this medicine.

Serious side effects of Gliadel

Along with its needed effects, carmustine (the active ingredient contained in Gliadel) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking carmustine:

More common side effects

  • blurred vision
  • change in ability to see colors, especially blue or yellow
  • confusion
  • fever
  • headache
  • nausea
  • problems with movement, walking, or speech
  • seizures
  • trouble healing
  • vomiting

Less common side effects

  • change in personality
  • drowsiness
  • general feeling of illness
  • severe headache
  • stiff neck or back
  • weakness

Other side effects of Gliadel

Some side effects of carmustine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

  • back pain
  • bladder pain
  • bloody or cloudy urine
  • difficult, burning, or painful urination
  • difficulty having a bowel movement
  • discouragement
  • feeling sad or empty
  • frequent urge to urinate
  • irritability
  • lack of appetite
  • lack or loss of strength
  • loss of interest or pleasure
  • lower back or side pain
  • stomach pain
  • trouble concentrating
  • trouble sleeping

Less common side effects

  • chest pain

For healthcare professionals

Applies to carmustine: implant device, intravenous powder for injection.

Respiratory adverse events

Hematologic

Gastrointestinal

Hepatic

Renal

Cardiovascular

Local

Other

Ocular

Oncologic

Immunologic

Musculoskeletal

Metabolic

Psychiatric

Genitourinary

Nervous system

(wafer formulation) (23%), aphasia, somnolence, speech disorder

Dermatologic

See also:

References

1. "Multum Information Services, Inc. Expert Review Panel"

2. O'Driscoll BR, Kalra S, Gattamaneni HR, Woodcock AA (1995) "Late carmustine lung fibrosis. Age at treatment may influence severity and survival." Chest, 107, p. 1355-7

3. Lena H, Desrues B, Le Coz A, Quinquenel ML, Delaval P (1994) "Severe diffuse interstitial pneumonitis induced by carmustine (BCNU)." Chest, 105, p. 1602-3

4. Hasleton PS, O'Driscoll BR, Lynch P, Webster A, Kalra SJ, Gattamaneini HR, Woodcock AA, Poulter LW (1991) "Late BCNU lung: a light and ultrastructural study on the delayed effect of BCNU on the lung parenchyma." J Pathol, 164, p. 31-6

5. (2001) "Product Information. BiCNU (carmustine)." Bristol-Myers Squibb

6. Kanj SS, Sharara AI, Shpall EJ, Jones RB, Peters WP (1991) "Myocardial ischemia associated with high-dose carmustine infusion." Cancer, 68, p. 1910-2

7. Mrozek-Orlowski M, Christie J, Flamme C, Novak J (1991) "Pain associated with peripheral infusion of carmustine." Oncol Nurs Forum, 18, p. 942

8. Wiencke JK, Wiemels J (1995) "Genotoxicity of 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU)." Mutat Res, 339, p. 91-119

Further information

Gliadel side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.