Question 1

How does Gleolan (aminolevulinic acid) work?

Accepted Answer

Your healthcare provider gives you Gleolan (aminolevulinic acid) as an oral solution to drink 2 to 4 hours before your surgery. When the tumor cells in the brain [absorb](https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/gleolan) aminolevulinic acid (the active ingredient), they glow a [red-violet color](https://gleolan.com/about-gleolan) when your provider uses a special blue light to view the brain. This can help your neurosurgeon see where the cancer cells are in your brain during surgery.

Question 2

What are some side effects of Gleolan (aminolevulinic acid)?

Accepted Answer

Some side effects of Gleolan (aminolevulinic acid) that can happen in the first week after surgery include fever, low blood pressure, nausea, and vomiting. Additionally, some people might also experience side effects relating to the brain, such as trouble communicating, muscle weakness on one side of the body, and less commonly, headache, partial blindness, seizure, and inability to move one side of the body. Gleolan (aminolevulinic acid) can also cause certain lab values that might be related to your [liver health](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/liver-function-tests/) to be higher than normal in the first week following your surgery. Talk with your provider if you have any concerns about receiving Gleolan (aminolevulinic acid) or if you have any side effects after surgery.

Question 3

Can Gleolan (aminolevulinic acid) cause severe allergic reactions?

Accepted Answer

In some rare cases, Gleolan (aminolevulinic acid) can cause allergic reactions, which can be life-threatening. During your procedure, your provider will watch for any signs and symptoms of allergic reactions (rash; hives; trouble breathing; or swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or face). Before your operation, let your provider know about your history of allergies, or if you've had allergic reactions to medications such as [Visudyne (verteporfin)](https://www.goodrx.com/visudyne/what-is). Get emergency help right away if you experience an allergic reaction at anytime after your surgery.

Question 4

Can Gleolan (aminolevulinic acid) make it easier for me to get sunburns, and what can I do to lower this risk?

Accepted Answer

There's a risk that Gleolan (aminolevulinic acid) can cause you to sunburn more easily. To lower your risk, make sure to limit or avoid sun exposure and room lights for 48 hours after taking this medication. Wear [protective clothing](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/dermatology/how-to-protect-your-skin-from-the-sun-without-sunscreen) when outside, even on overcast days. In addition, let your provider know what other medications you're taking, including over-the-counter products and supplements before your surgery. Other [medications that can cause you to be more sensitive to the sun](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/dermatology/avoid-the-sun-if-you-take-these-drugs) (e.g., [hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)](https://www.goodrx.com/hydrochlorothiazide/what-is), [glipizide](https://www.goodrx.com/glipizide/what-is), [griseofulvin](https://www.goodrx.com/griseofulvin-microsize/what-is)) can interact with Gleolan (aminolevulinic acid) and cause severe sunburn if they're taken within 24 hours of each other. Talk with your provider if you have any questions about [interactions](https://www.goodrx.com/drugs/safety/drug-interactions) with this medication or about the risk of light sensitivity.

Question 5

Can I receive Gleolan (aminolevulinic acid) if I'm breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

It's not clear whether Gleolan (aminolevulinic acid) is safe to use while breastfeeding. But to lower the risk of exposure to babies, your provider might recommend that you stop breastfeeding and consider pumping and discarding your breast milk for at least 24 hours after you take Gleolan (aminolevulinic acid). Some alternatives you can give your baby in the meantime include previously stored breast milk or formula. Before receiving Gleolan (aminolevulinic acid), let your provider know if you're breastfeeding.

Question 6

What's the difference between Gleolan and Ameluz?

Accepted Answer

Gleolan and [Ameluz](https://www.goodrx.com/levulan/what-is) both contain aminolevulinic acid as the active ingredient, but they're not the same. One difference is __what each medication is used for__. While Gleolan is used to help find brain tumors during surgery, Ameluz is used to treat sun spots with light therapy. Another difference is __how you use each medication__. Although both medications are given by a trained healthcare provider, Gleolan is a solution that you drink, while Ameluz is a gel that's applied onto the affected areas of your skin.

Gleolan

What is Gleolan (aminolevulinic acid)?

What is Gleolan (aminolevulinic acid) used for?

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Drug facts

Common questions about Gleolan

Gleolan (aminolevulinic acid) dosage

Typical dosage for Gleolan (aminolevulinic acid)

Good news for your inbox

Common questions about Gleolan

What is Gleolan (aminolevulinic acid)?

What is Gleolan (aminolevulinic acid) used for?

Are you looking for information on Ameluz (aminolevulinic acid) instead?

Drug facts

Common questions about Gleolan

How does Gleolan work?

What are some side effects of Gleolan?

Can Gleolan cause severe allergic reactions?

Can Gleolan make it easier for me to get sunburns, and what can I do to lower this risk?

Can I receive Gleolan if I'm breastfeeding?

What's the difference between Gleolan and Ameluz?

Gleolan (aminolevulinic acid) dosage

Typical dosage for Gleolan (aminolevulinic acid)

Common questions about Gleolan

How does Gleolan work?

What are some side effects of Gleolan?

Can Gleolan cause severe allergic reactions?

Can Gleolan make it easier for me to get sunburns, and what can I do to lower this risk?

Can I receive Gleolan if I'm breastfeeding?

What's the difference between Gleolan and Ameluz?