What is temozolomide (oral)?
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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking temozolomide (oral)?
You should not take this medication if you are allergic to temozolomide or to another
cancer medication called dacarbazine (DTIC-Dome).
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to
safely use this medication:
-
liver disease; or
-
kidney disease.
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.
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 (oral)?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger
amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your
prescription label.
Take temozolomide on 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 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.
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. To be sure your
blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any
scheduled appointments.
Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat,
flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), loss of appetite, nausea and
vomiting, mouth sores, or unusual weakness.
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.
Store temozolomide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of temozolomide (oral)?
Contact your doctor if you miss a dose or forget to take your temozolomide.
Where can I get more information about temozolomide (oral)?
Your pharmacist has information about temozolomide (oral) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of temozolomide (oral)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
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; or
-
white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips.
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 is the most important information I should know about temozolomide (oral)?
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.
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 avoid while taking temozolomide (oral)?
Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your
doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
What other drugs will affect temozolomide (oral)?
Before taking temozolomide, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
-
carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol);
-
divalproex sodium (Depakote);
-
phenytoin (Dilantin);
-
valproic acid (Depakene, Depacon);
-
steroids (prednisone and others); or
-
a sulfa drug such as Bactrim, Septra, Cotrim, or SMX-TMP.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with
temozolomide. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use.
This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start
using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of temozolomide (oral)?