Temodar (Temozolomide) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Temodar

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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...

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Temodar

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Temodar Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Temodar

Generic Name: temozolomide (oral) (Pronunciation: TEM oh ZOE loe mide)

What is temozolomide (Temodar)?

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 are the possible side effects of temozolomide (Temodar)?

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 (Temodar)?

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.

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