Temozolomide

About Temozolomide

This belongs to the group of medicines known as cytotoxic agents.

Temozolomide is used to treat malignant glioma, a form of cancer, where other treatments have failed.

Temozolomide works by preventing the growth and division of cells and therefore stops them increasing in numbers.

Temozolomide is available in capsule form.

It is also sometimes known as: Temodal. You may notice the use of either of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Temozolomide

Before taking Temozolomide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant or breast-feeding
• if you are male or female and trying for a baby or intend to have children in the future
• if you suffer from recurrent malignant glioma or severe infections
• if you have kidney or liver problems
• if you are over seventy years of age
• if you suffered from severe vomiting in previous treatment with similar medication
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Temozolomide

• Take Temozolomide exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• You must follow the printed instructions you have been given with your medication.
• Temozolomide should be taken one hour before food or on an empty stomach.
• Temozolomide must be swallowed whole, not chewed, with a full glass of water.
• Temozolomide occasionally causes you to feel or be sick. It is important to keep taking Temozolomide at regular dosage times even if you begin to feel unwell.
• If you vomit shortly after taking a dose, or you forget a dose, do not take another dose until your next one is due. If in doubt check with your doctor.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Temozolomide contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Temozolomide.
• You must avoid getting pregnant while taking Temozolomide. If you are male, you must not get a woman pregnant during treatment and for six months after finishing your treatment. Ask your doctor, hospital or pharmacist about suitable contraception.
• You must keep your regular appointments with the doctor and appointments for blood tests so they can monitor your progress.
• Temozolomide may cause fatigue and drowsiness due to sleeplessness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing other jobs which could be dangerous if not fully alert.
• Temozolomide may cause constipation. Constipation can often be eased by eating plenty of fibre, such as fruit, vegetables, potatoes and bran and by drinking plenty of water.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental you must tell them you are taking Temozolomide.
• While you are taking Temozolomide, and for a while after you stop treatment, do not have any immunisations (vaccinations) without talking to your doctor first. Temozolomide lowers the body's resistance and there is a chance that you may get an infection from the vaccine.

Can Temozolomide cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects become troublesome.

Feeling sick, being sick, fatigue, constipation, headache, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, rash, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, weight loss, tummy pain, indigestion, hair loss, changes in taste, dizziness, pins and needles, shortness of breath, itching, generally feeling unwell.

Important: if you notice any unexpected bleeding or bruising contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once.

Temozolomide can lower the number of white cells in your blood, increasing the chance of getting an infection. You should take certain precautions to reduce the chance of infection. If possible avoid people with infections and check with your doctor if you think you are getting an infection or fever (high temperature).

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Temozolomide

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from food, direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 12/05/2005