Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Temozolomide
Other Names: Temodar
Drug Class: Alkylating Agents
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Temodar? (Back to top)
TEMOZOLOMIDE is a chemotherapy drug. It is used to treat some kinds of brain cancer. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bleeding problems
• infection (especially a virus infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• recent or ongoing radiation therapy
• an unusual or allergic reaction to temozolomide, dacarbazine (DTIC), other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Do not chew, crush or open the capsules. You can take this medicine with or without food. However, you should always take it the same way each time. However, taking this medicine on an empty stomach may reduce nausea. Taking this medicine at bedtime may also reduce nausea. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)

• vaccines
• valproic acid

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• low blood counts - temozolomide may decrease the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. You may be at increased risk for infections and bleeding.
• signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine
• signs of decreased platelets or bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine
• signs of decreased red blood cells - unusually weak or tired, fainting spells, lightheadedness
• breathing problems
• changes in vision
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• memory problems
• problems with balance, walking
• seizures
• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
• vomiting

• bad taste in the mouth
• constipation
• difficulty sleeping
• dry skin
• hair loss
• headache
• loss of appetite
• nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
This drug may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon, as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.

Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Call if you get diarrhea. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.

Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medicine.

Avoid taking products that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your doctor. These medicines may hide a fever.

Do not open the capsules of this medicine. Breathing in or touching the powder in the capsule may be harmful. If the powder accidentally gets on your skin, wash the area thoroughly. If you have difficulty swallowing, contact your doctor or health care professional.

This drug may cause birth defects. Both men and women who are taking this medicine should use effective birth control.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature not above 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Protect from moisture and heat. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:April 04, 2008

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