Health Library

Temozolomide (By mouth)

Temozolomide (tem-oh-ZOE-loe-mide)

Treats brain cancer.

Brand Name(s):

Temodar

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• You may take this medicine at bedtime or on an empty stomach to help prevent nausea or vomiting.
• Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not open, chew, or dissolve it.
• If a capsule breaks open, be careful not to breathe in any medicine or get it on your skin. Wash your skin right away with soap and water if any medicine gets on it.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor for instructions.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. If you are a woman who can get pregnant, your doctor may do tests to make sure you are not pregnant before starting this medicine. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 6 months after your last dose. Males with female partners who are able to become pregnant should use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, anemia or any blood cell problems, or any type of infection.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk of pneumonia
  • Increased risk of blood problems or other cancers
  • Liver problems
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children. Some men using this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children).
• Men should not donate semen during treatment and for at least 3 months after the final dose of this medicine.
• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
• Dark urine or pale stools, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Seizures
• Severe nausea or vomiting
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Hair loss
• Headache
• Mild nausea or vomiting, constipation
• Tiredness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024