Temozolomide (By injection)
tem-oh-ZOE-loe-mide
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Temozolomide injection is used to treat specific types of brain cancer (eg, glioblastoma multiforme, anaplastic astrocytoma) in patients whose tumors have returned or whose tumors have just been diagnosed. It belongs to the group of medicines known as antineoplastics (cancer medicines).
Temozolomide interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are then destroyed by the body. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by temozolomide injection, other side effects may occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Some side effects may not occur for months or years after the medicine is used.
Before you begin treatment with temozolomide injection, you and your doctor should talk about the benefits this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein. Each treatment usually takes about 90 minutes.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how temozolomide works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following:
Carbamazepine Phenytoin Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim Valproic acidWhen Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to temozolomide or dacarbazine (DTIC), or if you are pregnant.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, anemia or any blood cell problems, or any type of infection.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Higher risk of pneumonia Higher risk of other cancers Liver problemsThis medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
Severe nausea or vomiting
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Mild nausea or vomiting, constipation, diarrhea
Pain, itching, burning, swelling, redness, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
Tiredness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Temodar
There may be other brand names for this medicine.