Temozolomide
About
Temozolomide belongs to a class of medicines called 'anti-cancer/ antitumor agent', used to treat specific forms of brain tumours such as glioblastoma multiforme (a type of tumour that grows and spreads rapidly) in adults and malignant glioma, including glioblastoma multiforme or anaplastic astrocytoma (a rare malignant brain tumour) in patients older than 3years. A brain tumour is an uncontrolled and unregulated proliferation of cells in the brain.
Temozolomide contains Temozolomide which works by inhibiting the production of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid-genetic material of the cell), thereby affecting cell growth and division. Thus, Temozolomide prevents tumours from growing.
Take Temozolomide as prescribed. In some cases, Temozolomide may cause loss of appetite, anxiety, confusion, headache, vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, muscle weakness, muscle aches, and fever. Most of these side effects of Temozolomide do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Let your doctor know if you are allergic to any of the contents. Temozolomide is not recommended for patients with severe bone marrow depression or significant bleeding. Avoid taking Temozolomide if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Both women and men using Temozolomide should use birth control to avoid pregnancy and fathering a child. It would be best not to drive and/or operate machines that require alertness as Temozolomide may cause tiredness or sleepiness.
Uses of Temozolomide
Medicinal Benefits
Temozolomide belongs to a class of medicines called anti-cancer/antitumor agents used to treat specific forms of brain tumours such as glioblastoma multiforme (a type of tumour that grows and spreads rapidly) in adults and malignant glioma, including glioblastoma multiforme or anaplastic astrocytoma (a rare malignant brain tumour) in patients older than 3years. It contains Temozolomide which works by binding to the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid-genetic material of the cell) and interfering with cell growth and division. Thus, Temozolomide prevents tumours from growing.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Temozolomide
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty speaking
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Rash
- Hair loss
- Tiredness
- Infections
- Fever
- Increased blood sugar
- Dry skin
- Swelling
- Weight loss/gain
- Frequent urination
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Temozolomide should be taken under strict medical supervision. The doctor will regularly monitor your condition while taking Temozolomide. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Temozolomide for as long as your doctor has prescribed. Do not stop Temozolomide midway under any circumstances without consulting the healthcare professional. Inform your doctor if you have an allergy to any components of Temozolomide. Inform your doctor before taking Temozolomide if you have allergic reactions, infections, lung, renal or hepatic disorders or low blood count (including neutropenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia). Temozolomide is not recommended for patients with severe bone marrow depression or significant bleeding. Avoid taking Temozolomide if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Both women and men using Temozolomide should use birth control to avoid pregnancy or fathering a child. Do not receive any vaccinations or immunizations without your doctor's approval while taking Temozolomide.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Temozolomide interacts with medicines used to treat infections (e.g. adalimumab), medicines used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (e.g. baricitinib, certolizumab, golimumab, infliximab, leflunomide, upadacitinib), medicines used to treat certain cancers (e.g. cladribine), medicines used to treat mental/mood disorders (e.g. clozapine), medicines used to treat multiple sclerosis (e.g. fingolimod, siponimod, teriflunomide), cholesterol-lowering medications (e.g. lomitapide), and vaccines (e.g. BCG vaccine, influenza virus vaccine, measles virus vaccine, rotavirus vaccine, rubella virus vaccine smallpox vaccine, typhoid vaccine, varicella virus vaccine, yellow fever vaccine, zoster vaccine).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid the consumption of alcohol while taking Temozolomide.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor before taking the Temozolomide you are suffering from urticaria or allergic reactions, bleeding disorders, myelosuppression (bone marrow depression), low blood counts, hepatic or renal dysfunction or disorders.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Temozolomide. It could lead to unpleasant side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns about this. Temozolomide should not be used during pregnancy unless prescribed by your doctor. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during the treatment and for 6months after completion of the treatment.
Breast Feeding
unsafeTemozolomide should not be taken during breastfeeding as it passes into the breastmilk and may harm the baby.
Driving
cautionTemozolomide may make you feel tired or sleepy. Drive and/or operate machines only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionIf you have had a history or evidence of any liver-related diseases, please consult the doctor before using Temozolomide. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Temozolomide.
Kidney
cautionIf you have had a history or evidence of any kidney-related diseases, please consult the doctor before using Temozolomide. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Temozolomide.
Children
cautionSafety and effectiveness of Temozolomide in paediatric patients under the age of three have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.
- Performing yoga may also help in improving both physical and mental health.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yoghurt, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, and herbs in your diet.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Avoid fast food, fried food, processed meats, refined carbs and added sugars.
Special Advise
- Temozolomide should be taken under strict medical supervision. The doctor will regularly monitor your condition while taking Temozolomide.
- Your doctor may advise you to get routine blood tests done to monitor your liver function, electrolyte levels, and blood cell count.
- Both male and female patients who are taking Temozolomide must use effective contraceptive precautions. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during the treatment and for 6months after completion of the treatment. Male patients should avoid fathering a child while on treatment with Temozolomide and should use effective contraception during the treatment and for 3months after the treatment.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Brain tumour: A brain tumour is an uncontrolled, unregulated proliferation of cells in the brain. The cancerous cells can invade and destroy surrounding healthy tissue, including organs. The symptoms of a brain tumour differ depending on the tumour's location in the brain. Common symptoms include headaches, fits (seizures), feeling unwell or being sick all the time, behavioural changes, paralysis, sickness, eyesight or speech impairments.
FAQs
Temozolomide works by binding to the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid-genetic material of the cell) and interfering with cell growth and division. Thus, Temozolomide prevents tumours from growing.
Temozolomide may cause permanent infertility. Male patients should use effective contraception and refrain from fathering a child for up to three months after treatment is completed. Prior to treatment, it is recommended to seek sperm conservation advice from your doctor.
Yes, Temozolomide can cause neutropenia (low white blood cells count), lymphopenia (low lymphocytes count), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). As a part of therapy, your doctor may monitor your blood profile.
Temozolomide may lead to hyperglycemia (Increased blood sugar). Consult your doctor if you are diabetic. Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels while taking Temozolomide.
The live vaccine may interact with Temozolomide. Do not have vaccinations or immunisations without talking to your doctor first.
