Temozolomide (Temodar)

The basics

Temozolomide (brand name – Temodar) is an FDA-approved treatment for certain types of brain tumors.

Temozolomide is in a class of medications called alkylating agents. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in your body.

Let us walk you through the key things you need to know about temozolomide.

How should I take temozolomide (Temodar)?

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Temozolomide comes as a capsule to take by mouth once a day in the evening at bedtime. Take temozolomide capsules on an empty stomach with a glass of water. Take temozolomide at around the same time every day. The length of treatment depends on how well your body responds to it and the type of cancer that you have.

If any of the capsules are broken or leaking, do not touch them with your bare hands and be careful not to breathe in the powder from the capsules. Swallow the capsules whole; do not empty, chew, or crush them.

You may vomit after you take the medication. If this happens, let your doctor know right away. Do not take another dose of temozolomide on the same day.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient. You can help them by tracking your side effects in Ankr.

What are the side effects of temozolomide (Temodar)?

Common side effects

Serious side effects

Temozolomide may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Use the free Ankr platform or Ankr app to track your symptoms.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking temozolomide (Temodar)

  • tell your doctor about your allergies
  • tell your doctor about other intakes
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any disease, symptom, or treatment.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or if you plan to father a child. Use a reliable method of birth control to prevent pregnancy.

while you are on temozolomide (Temodar)

  • If you become pregnant while taking temozolomide, call your doctor. Temozolomide may harm the fetus.
  • tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You should not breastfeed while you are taking temozolomide.

I forgot a dose. What should I do?

Talk to your doctor about what to do if you miss a dose of temozolomide. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

In case of an emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include the following:

  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • red or black, tarry stools
  • pink, red, or dark brown urine
  • coughing up or vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
  • fever, sore throat, ongoing cough and congestion, or other signs of infection

How should I safely store and dispose of temozolomide (Temodar)?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

You should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Brand names

  • Temodar®

Last Revised – 12/26/2023, FDA updated- 12/2/2023, SG

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DISCLAIMER: No part of this content constitutes medical advice, opinion, or should be used for medical decision making without consultation with a licenced medical practitioner and under a patient-provider relationship. All information on the website is provided without any claims of accuracy. For full terms and conditions, visit this link. Content curated by the Ankr team.

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