Temodar (Temozolomide)

Do’s

• Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before starting Temodar and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider.
• Take Temodar by mouth as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once a day on a treatment schedule. Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters).
• To reduce nausea and vomiting, take Temodar on an empty stomach or at bedtime. For the best effect, take this medication at the same time every day in relation to a meal (for example, 1 hour before or 3 hours after a meal).
• The dosage and treatment schedule are based on your medical condition, height, weight, and response to treatment. Carefully follow your healthcare provider's directions for taking this medication. To help you remember, mark your calendar to keep track of when to take the next dose.
• Your healthcare provider may also prescribe other medications, such as antibiotics, to help prevent infection or side effects. Follow your healthcare provider’s directions for taking all your medications

Don’ts

• Do not open, chew, or dissolve the contents of the capsules.
• If you vomit after taking your dose, do not take any more medication. Wait and take your next dose at the regular time.
• Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of serious side effects will increase.
• If the capsules are accidentally opened or damaged, avoid inhaling the medication or getting it on your skin. If contact occurs, flush the area with water. 
• Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the capsules.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea
• Fatigue
• A general feeling of unwellness

Report any side effects to your healthcare provider, and continue your course of treatment unless advised otherwise.

Discuss any concerns about side effects with your healthcare provider, as they can provide personalized information and guidance based on your specific medical history and condition.

Temodar can cause low blood cell counts, and patients need frequent monitoring of blood cell counts. Contact a healthcare provider immediately for bleeding, fever, or other signs of infection.

There is an increased risk of hepatotoxicity associated with Temodar. Patients should be advised to contact their healthcare provider immediately for signs or symptoms of hepatotoxicity. Periodic liver enzyme tests are also recommended during treatment and following the last dose of Temodar.

Taking Temodar may increase the risk of developing certain types of bone marrow cancer, Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP), and lymphopenia (very low levels of lymphocytes), especially if the patient is also taking steroids. Healthcare providers will monitor patients for these conditions.

Females of reproductive potential should use effective contraception while taking Temodar because it can cause harm to the fetus. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy, and there are potential risks to breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed during treatment with Temodar and for at least 1 week after the final dose.

Individuals using Temodar should be aware of these warnings and precautions and consult their healthcare provider for personalized guidance and monitoring during the course of treatment.