Gliadel Side Effects

Generic name: carmustine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 6, 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:

• intravenous powder for solution

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

• Common (1% to 10%): Pneumonia, pulmonary embolism
• Frequency not reported: Pulmonary toxicity (IV formulation)^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Myelosuppression (IV formulation)^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea, vomiting, constipation
• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain
• Postmarketing reports: Diarrhea, anorexia^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Postmarketing reports: Increased transaminase, increased alkaline phosphatase, increased bilirubin^[Ref]

Renal

• Postmarketing reports: Progressive azotemia, decrease in kidney size, renal failure^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Postmarketing reports: Tachycardia, chest pain, Veno-occlusive disease^[Ref]

Local

• Frequency not reported: Administration reactions (IV formulation)
• Postmarketing reports: Burning sensation^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Asthenia, fever
• Common (1% to 10%): Chest pain
• Frequency not reported: Wafer migration (wafer formulation)^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Ocular toxicity (IV formulation)
• Postmarketing reports: Conjunctival edema, conjunctival hemorrhage, blurred vision, loss of depth perception^[Ref]

Oncologic

• Postmarketing reports: Acute leukemia, bone marrow dysplasia^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Very common (10% or more): Impaired neurosurgical wound healing (wafer formulation) (16%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Meningitis (wafer formulation)
• Postmarketing reports: Opportunistic infection (sometimes fatal)

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Back pain

Metabolic

• Postmarketing reports: Diabetes mellitus

Psychiatric

• Very common (10% or more): Confusion, depression
• Common (1% to 10%): Anxiety, thinking abnormal, hallucinations, insomnia, personality disorder

Genitourinary

• Very common (10% or more): Urinary tract infection

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Intracranial hypertension (wafer formulation), brain abscess (wafer formulation), brain cyst (wafer formulation), hydrocephalus (wafer formulation), cerebral edema (wafer formulation), amnesia, facial paralysis, ataxia, hypesthesia, paresthesia, abnormal gait, dizziness, tremor, coma, hypokinesia
• Postmarketing reports: Headache, encephalopathy

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

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Rash
• Postmarketing reports: Hyperpigmentation, swelling, erythema, skin necrosis, alopecia, allergic reaction

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.

Medical Disclaimer