Temsirolimus (By injection)
tem-sir-OH-li-mus
Treats advanced kidney cancer.
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Temsirolimus injection is used to treat advanced kidney cancer. It interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed by the body. Temsirolimus is an antineoplastic (cancer medicine).
This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
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.
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 temsirolimus works. Tell your doctor if you are using atazanavir, carbamazepine, clarithromycin, dexamethasone, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifabutin, rifampicin, rifampin, ritonavir, saquinavir, St John’s wort, telithromycin, voriconazole, or a blood thinner (such as warfarin).
This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not receive it if you are pregnant or have severe liver disease.
Warnings
This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control while you are being treated and for at least 3 months after you stop treatment.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, a bleeding disorder, a brain tumor, diabetes, high cholesterol, an infection, or lung disease. Tell your doctor if you had an allergic reaction to temsirolimus, sirolimus, or polysorbate 80 (a preservative).
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Infusion reactions High blood sugar Higher risk of infections, including pneumonia Interstitial lung disease (serious lung problem) Bowel perforation (a hole in the bowel) Kidney disease that is not related to your kidney cancerThis medicine may affect the way your body heals from cuts and wounds. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine before and after you have surgery.
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
Change in how much or how often you urinate, painful urination
Chest pain, trouble breathing
Fever, chills, cough, lightheadedness
Increased hunger or thirst
Severe stomach pain, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, red or black stools
Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat
Swelling in your face, hands, or feet
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Back or joint pain
Change in taste, loss of appetite
Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, or mild stomach pain
Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
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
Torisel
There may be other brand names for this medicine.