Temodar

This page contains drug information on Temodar.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Temodar
the possible side effects of Temodar
what happens if you miss a dose of Temodar
what happens if you overdose with Temodar
the most important information about Temodar
how to use Temodar
other drugs that may affect Temodar
what to avoid while using Temodar
 
Generic Name: temozolomide (oral) (the mah ZOE low mide)
Brand Names: Temodar
 
What is the most important information I should know about temodar?
 •  Do not open or split the temodar capsules. If the capsules are accidentally opened or damaged, be extremely careful to avoid inhaling the powder in the capsules or getting it on your skin or mucous membranes (in your nose or mouth). Swallow the capsules whole, without crushing or chewing.
 •  temodar should only be prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

What is this temodar?
 •  temodar interferes with cell growth, especially cells that are growing rapidly, such as cancer cells.
 •  temodar is used to treat certain cancerous tumors in the brain of adult patients for whom this tumor has recurred.
 •  temodar may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking temodar?
 •  Do not take temodar without first talking to your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to dacarbazine (DTIC-Dome), another treatment for cancer. You may also have an allergic reaction to temodar.
 •  Before taking temodar, tell your doctor if you have
      · liver disease, or
      · kidney disease.
 •  You may not be able to take temodar, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have either of the conditions listed above.
 •  temodar is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that temodar is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not take temodar without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Men and women who take temodar should use birth control to ensure protection from pregnancy. Men treated with temodar may also want to discuss the option of banking sperm prior to treatment.
 •  It is not known whether temodar passes into breast milk. Since temodar may be harmful to a nursing infant, breast-feeding is not recommended during treatment with temodar.
 •  If you are over the age of 70 years, you may be more likely to experience side effects from temodar. You may require special monitoring during treatment.

How should I take temodar?
 •  Take temodar exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
 •  temodar should only be prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
 •  Take each days dose of capsules at one time, with a full glass of water.
 •  Take temodar on an empty stomach (at least one hour before a meal) or at bedtime. This may reduce nausea caused by the medication.
 •  Do not open or split the capsules. If the capsules are accidentally opened or damaged, be extremely careful to avoid inhaling the powder in the capsules or getting it on your skin or mucous membranes (in your nose or mouth). Swallow the capsules whole, without crushing or chewing.
 •  temodar is usually taken for 5 days in a row, over a 28-day period. Your doses will be packaged into five separate packets or vials labeled "Day 1", "Day 2", "Day 3", "Day 4", and "Day 5". On each day of treatment, take all of the capsules labeled for that day as a single dose. Do not worry if the capsules that you take on a given day are different sizes or colors. Your doctor and pharmacist have made sure that you will be taking the correct dose on each of the five days of the treatment cycle. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you think that your medication has been packaged incorrectly.
 •  It is important to take temodar regularly to get the most benefit.
 •  Your doctor may want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with temodar to monitor progress and side effects.
 •  Store temodar at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.

What happens if I miss a dose?
 •  Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of temodar.

What happens if I overdose?
 •  Seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor.
 •  Symptoms of a temodar overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking temodar?
 •  There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking temodar, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of temodar?
 •  Seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
      · an allergic reaction (shortness of breath closing of the throat difficulty breathing swelling of the lips, face, or tongue or hives)
      · signs of infection (may indicate low white blood cells) such as fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine
      · unusual bleeding or bruising (may indicate low platelet levels) such as nosebleed, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, or blood in the urine or
      · signs of low red blood cells such as unusual weakness or tiredness, fainting spells, or lightheadedness.
 •  Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take temodar and notify your doctor if you experience
      · nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
      · headache
      · insomnia
      · fatigue or
      · constipation.
 •  Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect temodar?
 •  Before taking temodar, tell your doctor if you are taking divalproex sodium (Depakote) or valproic acid (Depakene, Depacon). You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment.
 •  Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with temodar. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking or using any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.