Product Description
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Uses
Temozolomide is used in adults and in children above 3 years of age to treat certain specific types of brain tumor such as glioblastoma multiforme (malignant grade IV brain tumor) or anaplastic astrocytoma (grade III brain tumor). It is usually used together with radiotherapy or other medications and is generally given after other cancer medicines have been tried without success.
How it works
Temozolomide is an antitumor drug and belongs to a class of medications called alkylating agents. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in the body.
Common side effects
dizziness wound infection, face swelling, diarrhea, dry mouth, pain, difficulty concentrating, nausea, shortness of breath, bruising, tiredness, loss of appetite, oral infections, itching fever, fever, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, depression, swollen legs, hearing impairment, forgetfulness, abnormal taste, frequent and difficult to hold urination, muscle weakness, sleep problems, change in mental status or alertness, stomach or abdominal pain, increased sugar in the blood, loss of weight, blood clot in the legs, dry skin, double vision, painful joints, allergic reaction, cough, rash, impaired balance, difficulty speaking, heartburn, skin irritation or redness, shaking, reduced number of blood cells, confusion, anxiety, headache, abnormal or blurry vision, constipation, hair loss., fluid retention, abnormal liver function tests, tingling sensation
Expert advice
- Swallow full tablets on an empty stomach, one hour before your meal.
- Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Consult your doctor if you develop symptoms of opportunistic infections (such as Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia) and reactivation of infections (such as hepatitis B virus) Using temozolomide may increase your risk of developing certain types of bone marrow cancer. Be aware about your specific risk.
- You may be given medication to prevent nausea or other side effects while you are receiving temozolomide.
- Your blood will be tested frequently during treatment to monitor the side effects of temozolomide on your blood cells as you may have a small risk of other changes in blood cells, including leukemia.
- Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.
- Do not drink alcohol while taking temozolomide.
- Do not drive or operate machinery while using temozolomide as it may make you tired or sleepy.
- Both male and female patients should take effective contraceptive precautions during and after 6 months of treatment. Male patients should seek advice on conservation of sperm prior to treatment as temozolomide treatment may cause infertility.
Frequently asked questions
Temozolomide
Q. Is temozolomide safe during pregnancy?
No. Temozolomide should not be used in pregnancy or by those who plan to become pregnant as it is highly unsafe for the growing baby.
Q. Is it safe to use temozolomide during breastfeeding?
Temozolomide is not safe for the baby and should not be used by women who are breastfeeding.
Q. What is temozolomide used for/ what does temozolomide treat/ Is temozolomide chemotherapy/ is temozolomide cytotoxic/ is temozolomide a radiosensitizer?
Temozolomide is an anti-cancer (antineoplastic or cytotoxic) chemotherapy drug. It is used to treat specific types of brain tumor. It is a radiosensitizer.
Q. Is temozolomide effective/ does temozolomide work?
Temozolomide is effective and works for patients if taken at recommended dosage and duration as recommended by the doctor.
Q. How is temozolomide given/administered/ metabolized/ how long does temozolomide stay in the body?
Temozolomide is given as a capsule and is taken by mouth. It should be administered in the fasting state, at least one hour before meal. It is rapidly metabolized at physiologic pH to the active monomethyl triazenoimidazole carboxamide (MTIC). The half-life (t1/2) in plasma is approximately 1.8 hours.
Q. How does temozolomide cross the blood-brain barrier?
Temozolomide because of its small size and lipophilic properties is able to cross the blood-brain barrier rapidly and is present in the cerebrospinal fluid.
Q. Does temozolomide cause hair loss?
Hair loss is a side effect of using temozolomide. Always follow doctor’s advice regarding its use.
Q. Is temozolomide FDA approved?
Temozolomide is a FDA approved drug.
| Manufacturer | Cipla Pharma, India |
|---|---|
| Equivalent Brands | TEMODAR |
| Composition | Temozolomide |
| Discontinue Url | No |
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