Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer); chemotherapy
Generic and brand names: temozolomide, oral; Temodar
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat:
It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Do not take this medicine during pregnancy because it can seriously harm the baby. Do not become pregnant while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your healthcare provider if you need birth control. If you become pregnant during this treatment, stop taking this medicine and contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while you are taking this medicine.
Do not break, crush, or chew the capsules. Swallow them whole with a glass of water. This medicine works best when taken on an empty stomach. Take it on an empty stomach at bedtime to help reduce nausea and vomiting. If nausea or vomiting continues, ask your healthcare provider what to do.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Your dosage of this medicine is based on the results of frequent blood tests during these treatments. Your dosage may change frequently. Follow your healthcare provider's directions exactly. If you are not sure of your dosage at any time, do not guess. Contact your healthcare provider to be sure.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: fever, pale skin, increased thirst, dry skin, unusual bruising or bleeding, confusion, weakness, decreased urination, lightheadedness, fainting.
This is a powerful medicine. Take extra care to keep it away from children and pets.
Do not open or damage the capsules. If you open a capsule by accident, keep the powder away from your skin, mouth, and nose. Do not breathe in any of the powder.
You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.
This medicine may make you dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Any sign or symptom of infection, high fever, chills, easy bruising, convulsions, bleeding, sudden shortness of breath, increased heart rate, numbness on one side of the body. Most serious side effects are found through lab tests.
Other: Nausea, vomiting, headache, tiredness, dizziness, constipation, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, hair loss, swelling of hands or feet.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
