Drugs & Vitamins

Temodar Active Ingredients: Temozolomide Representative Names: Temodar Available Product Images: What are temozolomide capsules? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with temozolomide? What side effects may I notice from receiving temozolomide? What should I watch for while taking temozolomide? Where can I keep my medicine? What are temozolomide capsules? (Back to top) TEMOZOLOMIDE (Temodar™) is chemotherapy agent used to treat certain types of brain cancer and melanoma. Temozolomide interferes with the growth of rapidly dividing cells, like cancer cells, and eventually causes these cells to die. Generic temozolomide capsules are not yet available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •blood disorders •an active infection •an unusual or allergic reaction to temozolomide, dacarbazine (DTIC), other chemotherapy agents, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Temozolomide capsules are usually taken once a day by mouth with a glass of water for 5 days. Take each day's dose of capsules at one time. The capsules should be swallowed whole and never chewed. Try to take your medicine at the same time every day in relation to meals. To decrease any nausea, take the capsules on an empty stomach or at bedtime. If you require antinausea medication, the antinausea medication should be taken 30 minutes prior to taking temozolomide. Make sure to follow the instructions given to you by your health care provider. Your doses of temozolomide will be packaged in separate packages labeled 'Day 1', 'Day 2', etc. On the first day of treatment, you should take all the capsules in the package labeled Day 1, then on the second day, take all the capsules in the package labeled Day 2, and so on. Do not worry that the capsules you take on a given day are different size or colors; different capsules may be needed to make sure you get the right dose over the 5 days. If you think your medication has been packaged incorrectly, contact your prescriber or pharmacist immediately. Do not open or split the capsules. If the capsules are accidentally opened or damaged, you should be extremely careful to avoid breathing in the powder or getting the powder on your skin, nose, or mouth. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) It is important not to miss a dose. If it is the same day, take your missed dose as soon as possible, then continue your regular schedule. If you miss a whole day, call your prescriber or health care provider. What drug(s) may interact with temozolomide? (Back to top) •other chemotherapy agents may increase the side effects seen with temozolomide. Talk to your prescriber or health care professional before taking any of these medicines: •aspirin •acetaminophen •ibuprofen •ketoprofen •naproxen Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving temozolomide? (Back to top) The side effects you may experience with temozolomide therapy depend upon the dose, other types of chemotherapy or radiation therapy given, and the disease being treated. Not all of these effects occur in all patients. Discuss any concerns or questions with your prescriber or health care professional. Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •abnormal coordination •abnormal walking or difficulty walking •low blood counts - temozolomide may decrease the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. You may be at increased risk for infections and bleeding. •signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine •signs of decreased platelets or bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine •signs of decreased red blood cells - unusual weakness or tiredness, fainting spells, lightheadedness •nausea and vomiting •paralysis of legs or arms •skin rash •seizures •vision changes Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •back pain •constipation •decreased appetite •diarrhea •difficulty sleeping •dizziness •easily tire •headache •itching What should I watch for while taking temozolomide? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood checks, especially if you are receiving temozolomide and radiation therapy. If blood counts are not normal, in some cases weekly blood counts will be needed until the blood counts return to normal levels. It is extremely important not to open the temozolomide capsules. Breathing in the powder or other contact with the powder may be harmful. If the powder accidentally gets on your skin, wash the area thoroughly. If you have difficulty swallowing, contact your prescriber or health care professional. Temozolomide may make you feel generally unwell. This is because temozolomide affects good cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects as above, but continue your course of medicine even though you feel ill, unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to stop. Temozolomide may decrease your body's ability to fight infections. Call your prescriber or health care professional if you have a fever, chills, sore throat or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat these symptoms yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick. Temozolomide may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your prescriber or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding. Be careful not to cut, bruise or injure yourself because you may get an infection and bleed more than usual. Avoid taking aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol®), ibuprofen (Advil®), naproxen (Aleve®), or ketoprofen (Orudis® KT) products as these may hide a fever, unless instructed to by your prescriber or health care professional. Call your prescriber or health care professional if you get diarrhea. Do not treat yourself. Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick while receiving temozolomide because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are received temozolomide. Temozolomide may cause birth defects; therefore, both men and women who are taking temozolomide should use effective birth control, if indicated. Women should avoid becoming pregnant if they or their partner is taking temozolomide. Talk to your health care professional about preventing pregnancy. Women should not nurse while taking temozolomide because there is a possibility of harm to the nursing infant. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep this medicine out of reach of children and pets. Store capsules at room temperature, between 59°—85°F (15°—30°C). Last Updated:04/07/2005 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.