Temodar (Temozolomide) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

Pill Identifier Search

May 27, 2012

Temodar

Brain Tumor »

What is the brain?

The brain is a soft, spongy mass of tissue. It is protected by the bones of the skull and three thin membranes called meninges. Watery fluid called cerebrospinal fluid cushions the brain. This fluid flows through spaces between the meninges and through spaces within the brain called ventricles.

A network of nerves carries messages back and forth between the brain and the rest of the body. Some nerves go directly from the brain to the eyes, ears, and other parts of the head. Other nerves run through the spinal cord to connect the brain with the other parts of the body. Within the brain and spinal cord, glial cells surround nerve cells and hold them in place.

The brain directs the things we choose to do (like walking and talking) and the things our body does without thinking (like breathing). The brain is also in charge of our senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell), memory...

Read the Brain Tumor article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Temodar User Reviews >>

Temodar

Breast Cancer Slideshow Pictures

Pancreatic Cancer Slideshow Pictures

Skin Cancer Slideshow Pictures

font size

Temodar Patient Information including How Should I Take

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

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 (Temodar)?

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 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 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.

Related Drug Centers