Gliadel – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Gliadel is a drug used for the treatment of cancer that works by interfering with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body. This drug is used for the treatment of brain tumors, Hodgkin’s disease, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It is injected into a vein through an IV, typically given once every six weeks.

Gliadel should not be used by the following people:

• People who are allergic to Gliadel or carmustine
• People with lung disease or breathing problems
• People with bone marrow suppression
• People with kidney disease
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• People taking other medications, such as cimetidine (Tagamet) and phenytoin (Dilantin).

People taking the drug should do the following self-care tips:

• Avoid crowds or people with colds because of a greater risk of infection.
• Avoid sun exposure and wear protective clothing.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Limit or avoid alcohol consumption completely.
• Maintain good nutrition.
• Remain active as you can.

Carmustine is the generic name for the brand name drug Gliadel. Carmustine is also sold in the brand name BiCNU.

Known side effects of Gliadel

The common side effects of Gliadel include the following:

• Chest pain
• Darkened skin
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Headaches
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Nausea
• Pale skin
• Vomiting

Some side effects of Gliadel can be serious and may need immediate medical attention. These include:

• Decreased urination
• Extreme tiredness or weakness
• Lack of energy
• Loss of appetite
• Pain in the upper right part of the stomach
• Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• Swelling, pain, redness, or burning at the injection site
• Upset stomach
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes

Gliadel can cause a serious decline in the number of blood cells in the bone marrow. In turn, this increases the user’s risk of developing serious infections or bleeding, with symptoms such as:

• Black and tarry stools
• Bloody vomit
• Fever, sore throat, chills, or other signs of infection
• Red blood in stools
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Vomited material that looks like coffee grounds

Gliadel can also cause lung damage, even years after treatment, which can lead to death, particularly in patients treated with carmustine as children.

Body systems that may be harmed by Gliadel

The body systems harmed by Gliadel include the respiratory, hematologic, gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal, cardiovascular, and ocular systems.

Food items or nutrients that may prevent Gliadel’s side effects

The following food items may prevent chest pain, one of the side effects of Gliadel:

• Almonds
• Apple cider vinegar
• Baking soda
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Hot drinks
• Turmeric milk

Treatments, management plans for the Gliadel’s side effects

A headache, a common side effects of Gliadel, can be treated by the following natural remedies:

• Avoiding foods high in histamines, such as aged cheeses, fermented food, beer, wine, smoked fish, and cured meats
• Avoiding nitrates and nitrites
• Drinking caffeinated tea or coffee
• Drinking ginger tea
• Drinking water
• Getting enough sleep
• Getting some exercise
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Practicing yoga
• Taking B-complex vitamin
• Taking Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
• Taking magnesium
• Trying acupuncture
• Trying an elimination diet
• Trying herbal remedies, such as feverfew and butterbur
• Using essential oils like peppermint and lavender essential oils

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Summary

Gliadel is a drug used for cancer treatment that works by interfering with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Gliadel is used for the treatment of brain tumors, Hodgkin’s disease, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Gliadel commonly causes chest pain, darkened skin, dizziness, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, headache, loss of balance, nausea, pale skin, and vomiting.

Gliadel can cause a great drop in the number of blood cells in the bone marrow, increase the risk of infections or bleeding, and lung impairment, which can result in death.

Sources include:

Drugs.com 1

Drugs.com 2

ChemoCare.com

MedlinePlus.gov

MedicalNewsToday.com

Healthline.com