Aminolevulinic acid (By mouth)

Aminolevulinic Acid (a-mee-noe-lev-ue-LIN-ik AS-id)

Used to help see an image of a malignant (cancer) tissue during surgery in patients with glioma (tumor in the brain or spine).

Brand Name(s):

Gleolan

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to aminolevulinic acid or similar medicines, or if you have porphyria.

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid

• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given by mouth before surgery.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how aminolevulinic acid works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Griseofulvin, St John's wort
  • Antibiotics, including quinolones, tetracyclines
  • Diuretic (water pill)
  • Medicine to treat diabetes
  • Phenothiazine medicine
  • Sulfa drug
  • Topical preparations containing aminolevulinic acid
  Do not use these medicines 24 hours before and after receiving aminolevulinic acid.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or liver disease.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds. Avoid exposure to sunlight or room lights for 48 hours after surgery.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, redness or other discoloration of the skin, severe sunburn
• Lightheadedness or fainting

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Fever
• Nausea, vomiting

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 12/4/2023