Temozolomide (Generic Name)

Other Names: Temodar

About this drug

Temozolomide is used to treat cancer. It is taken by mouth.

Possible side effects

  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
  • Bone marrow depression. This is a decrease in the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. It may increase your risk of infection, fatigue, and bleeding.
  • This drug may have harmful effects on an unborn child. Be sure to use effective methods of birth control during your cancer treatment. Genetic counseling is available for you to discuss the effect this drug therapy may have on future pregnancies. A genetic counselor also can tell you about the possible risk of problems in the fetus if the drug is taken during pregnancy.

Treating side effects

  • Ask your doctor or nurse about medication that is available to help prevent or lessen nausea, vomiting, headache, and constipation.
  • Let your doctor or nurse know if you are having trouble sleeping.
  • Use effective methods of birth control during your cancer treatment.

Food and drug interactions

There are no known interactions of this drug with any food. This drug may interact with other medications. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of the medications you are currently taking.

Precautions

  • Do not eat anything for at least one hour before taking this drug.
  • Bedtime may be the best time to take it in order to reduce the risk of nausea.
  • Take the antinausea medication as prescribed by your doctor.
  • Swallow capsules whole, one right after another, with a full glass of water.
  • Do not chew or open the capsules.
  • If you vomit within one-half hour of taking the capsules, call your doctor immediately.

When to call the doctor

Call your doctor or nurse immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Temperature of 100.5 F (38 C) or higher
  • Chills
  • Shortness of breath
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Uncontrolled nausea that prevents you from eating or drinking
  • Vomiting more than three times in one day
  • Seizures

 

Call your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Headache unrelieved by prescribed medication
  • Nausea unrelieved by prescribed medication
  • No bowel movement for three days, or feeling uncomfortable
  • Extreme fatigue that interferes with normal activities

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