temozolomide (oral)

Brand name(s):

temozolomide, Temodar

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

Do not 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 this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Do not open the temozolomide capsule, or use a capsule that has been accidentally broken. The powder inside the capsule can be dangerous if you accidentally inhale it or if it gets in your eyes, mouth, or nose, or on your skin. If you must handle a broken capsule, ask your doctor or pharmacist how to safely handle and dispose of it. Rinse off any medicine that gets on your skin or in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

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 from this medication. 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.

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 usually given after other cancer medications have been tried without successful treatment of the tumor.

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

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

You should not 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 are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

liver disease; or
kidney disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use temozolomide, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not use temozolomide without telling your doctor 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.

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

Page: 1 2 3 Next >

Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our Terms and Conditions of Use and Privacy Policy.