Temodar

Generic Name: temozolomide (TEM oh ZOE loe mide)

Brand Names: Temodar

What is temozolomide?

Temozolomide interferes with the development of cancer cells, slowing their growth and spread in the body.

Temozolomide is used together with radiation therapy to treat certain types of brain tumor in adults.

Temozolomide is sometimes given after other cancer medications have been tried without successful treatment of the tumor.

Temozolomide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about temozolomide?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to temozolomide or to another cancer medication called dacarbazine (DTIC-Dome). Before taking temozolomide, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease. Do not use temozolomide if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Do not open the temozolomide capsule, or use a pill that has been accidentally broken. The medicine from a crushed or broken pill can be dangerous if you accidentally inhale it, or if it gets in your eyes, mouth, or nose, or on your skin. If this occurs, wash your skin with soap and water or rinse your eyes with water. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to safely handle and dispose of a broken tablet or capsule.

Temozolomide is often given together with radiation treatment, and then continued for several weeks or months after radiation treatment ends. There may be periods of time when you will take temozolomide for only a few days in a row and then wait another 2 to 4 weeks before you start a new treatment cycle and take it again. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. The size, color, and number of temozolomide capsules you take may be different from time to time as your doctor adjusts your dose. Be sure you know the correct number of capsules to take and on which days to take them. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Taking temozolomide may increase your risk of developing certain types of bone marrow cancer. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking temozolomide?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to temozolomide or to another cancer medication called dacarbazine (DTIC-Dome).

To make sure you can safely take temozolomide, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• liver disease; or


• kidney disease.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use temozolomide if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether temozolomide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Taking temozolomide may increase your risk of developing certain types of bone marrow cancer. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.

Women and older adults may be more likely to have bone marrow suppression (a weakened immune system) while taking temozolomide. This can lead to an increased risk of infection or illness.

How should I take temozolomide?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take temozolomide on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Swallow the temozolomide capsule whole, with a full glass of water.

If you vomit shortly after taking temozolomide, do not take another capsule until it is time for your next regularly scheduled dose.

Do not open the temozolomide capsule, or use a pill that has been accidentally broken. The medicine from a crushed or broken pill can be dangerous if you accidentally inhale it, or if it gets in your eyes, mouth, or nose, or on your skin. If this occurs, wash your skin with soap and water or rinse your eyes with water. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to safely handle and dispose of a broken tablet or capsule.

You may be given other medications to prevent infection while you are taking temozolomide. Use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.

Temozolomide can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.

Temozolomide is often given together with radiation treatment, and then continued for several weeks or months after radiation treatment ends. There may be periods of time when you will take temozolomide for only a few days in a row and then wait another 2 to 4 weeks before you start a new treatment cycle and take it again. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. The size, color, and number of temozolomide capsules you take may be different from time to time as your doctor adjusts your dose. Be sure you know the correct number of capsules to take and on which days to take them. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Temodar dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Taking temozolomide for more than 5 days in a row can cause life-threatening overdose.

Overdose symptoms may include fever, pale skin, increased thirst, dry skin, easy bruising or bleeding, confusion, weakness, and urinating less than usual or not at all.

What should I avoid while taking temozolomide?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.

Temozolomide side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• 
  

  seizure (convulsions);

  
  


• 
  

  numbness or tingling on one side of your body;

  
  


• 
  

  signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, unusual weakness;

  
  


• 
  

  dry cough, feeling short of breath, weight loss, night sweats;

  
  


• 
  

  pain or burning when you urinate;

  
  


• 
  

  white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips; or

  
  


• 
  

  nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

• 
  

  hair loss;

  
  


• 
  

  tired feeling;

  
  


• 
  

  diarrhea, constipation;

  
  


• 
  

  mild skin rash;

  
  


• 
  

  dizziness, blurred vision;

  
  


• 
  

  sleep problems (insomnia); or

  
  


• 
  

  unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect temozolomide?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• 
  

  carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol);

  
  


• 
  

  divalproex sodium (Depakote);

  
  


• 
  

  phenytoin (Dilantin);

  
  


• 
  

  valproic acid (Depakene, Stavzor);

  
  


• 
  

  steroids (prednisone and others); or

  
  


• 
  

  a sulfa drug such as Bactrim, Septra, Cotrim, or SMX-TMP.

  
  

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with temozolomide. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Temodar resources

• Temodar Side Effects (in more detail)
• Temodar Dosage
• Temodar Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Temodar Drug Interactions
• Temodar Support Group
• 3 Reviews for Temodar - Add your own review/rating

• Temodar Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Temodar Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Temodar Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Temodar Consumer Overview


• Temodar MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Temozolomide Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Temodar with other medications

• Anaplastic Astrocytoma
• Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma
• Glioblastoma Multiforme
• Melanoma
• Melanoma, Metastatic

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about temozolomide.

See also: Temodar side effects (in more detail)