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Temozolomide
What is it? Overview Usage Side Effects and Warnings
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Temozolomide Overview

Written by FoundHealth.

(te moe ZOE loe mide)

U.S. Brand Names

Temodar®

Canadian Brand Names

Temodal®

Mexican Brand Names

Temodal

Pharmacologic Category

Antineoplastic Agent, Alkylating Agent (Triazene)

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

• This medicine does not mix well with many medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to temozolomide, dacarbazine, or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

• If you are breast-feeding.

How does it work?

• Temozolomide injures cancer cells causing their death.

How is it best taken?

Oral:

• Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.

• Take this medicine at a similar time of day.

• Take this medicine at bedtime to prevent upset stomach.

• Take this medicine with or without food, but be consistent. Always take with food or always take on an empty stomach.

• Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

• Swallow capsule whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

• Directions may change depending on blood work results, side effects, and response.

• A liquid is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.

• Wear gloves while touching medicine.

• If you vomit after taking this medicine, do not repeat the dose.

Injection:

• This medicine is given as a shot into a vein over a period of time.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

Injection:

• Call healthcare provider for appointment.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store capsules at room temperature.

• Protect capsules from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

• Store liquid (suspension) in a refrigerator. Throw away any unused portion after 2 months.

• The injection will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 15:54:11.0

Modified: 2010-08-04 07:37:13.0

Lexi-PALS TM © (1977)-(2007) Lexi-Comp, Inc. All rights reserved.

 
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