Before taking Temodal (temozolomide) 250mg, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to dacarbazine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using Temodal (temozolomide) 250mg, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, liver problems, decreased bone marrow function, blood cell disorders (e.g., anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia).
Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine.
To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured, use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to lower the risk of bleeding gums.
Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections.
The elderly may be more sensitive to the side effects of Temodal (temozolomide) 250mg, especially the increased risk of infection and easy bruising/bleeding.
Women may be more sensitive to the side effects of Temodal (temozolomide) 250mg, especially the increased risk of infection and easy bruising/bleeding.
Temodal (temozolomide) 250mg is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. It is recommended that men and women use two effective forms of birth control (e.g., condoms and birth control pills) during treatment with Temodal (temozolomide) 250mg and for some time afterwards. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss reliable forms of birth control.
It is not known if Temodal (temozolomide) 250mg passes into breast milk. Due to the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using Temodal (temozolomide) 250mg is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using Temodal (temozolomide) 250mg and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions about the information or if you are not certain which days of the treatment cycle to take your medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take Temodal (temozolomide) 250mg by mouth, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. To reduce nausea and vomiting, take it on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 3 hours after a meal) or at bedtime, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. To make sure the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level, take it at the same time every day in relation to a meal (e.g., always 1 hour before the evening meal or always 3 hours after the evening meal).
Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters). The dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to therapy.
Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules. If the capsules are accidentally opened or damaged, avoid inhaling the medication, and do not let it touch the skin or mucous membranes (e.g., inside the nose). If contact occurs, flush the area with water. Since Temodal (temozolomide) 250mg can be absorbed through the skin, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle Temodal (temozolomide) 250mg.
Do not increase your dose or take Temodal (temozolomide) 250mg more often without your doctor's approval. Your condition will not improve any faster and the risk of serious side effects may be increased.
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, tiredness, weakness, and headache may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be quite severe. Drug therapy may be necessary to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Not eating before your treatment may help relieve vomiting. Changes in diet and lifestyle, such as eating several small meals or limiting activity, may help lessen some of these effects. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Temodal (temozolomide) 250mg because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Temodal (temozolomide) 250mg do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mouth sores, swelling of the ankles/feet, easy bleeding or bruising, shortness of breath.
Temodal (temozolomide) 250mg can lower the body's ability to fight an infection. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as: fever, chills, persistent sore throat, cough, burning/painful/frequent urination.
Although Temodal (temozolomide) 250mg is used to treat cancer, very rarely in some patients it may increase the risk of developing another form of cancer (of the bone marrow). Consult your doctor for more details. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: swollen glands, unexplained or sudden weight loss, night sweats.
A very serious allergic reaction to Temodal (temozolomide) 250mg is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Click here to view a more detailed list of Temodal side effects.
For the best benefits, it is important to take each scheduled dose of Temodal (temozolomide) 250mg as directed. If you miss a dose of Temodal (temozolomide) 250mg, contact your doctor to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Temodal (temozolomide) 250mg should not be used with the following medication because very serious interactions may occur: nalidixic acid.
If you are currently using the medication listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting Temodal (temozolomide) 250mg.
Before using Temodal (temozolomide) 250mg, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.