Temodar (Temozolomide)

What is Temodar?

Temodar is also known as Temozolomide, and belongs to the group of Antineoplastics or Alkylating agents. These tablets are used for oral administration.

What is Temodar used for?

Temodar is used to cure various types of brain cancers, also known as refractory anaplastic astrocytoma. These capsules can help in the treatment of brain tumors, particularly in adult patients.

How does Temodar work?

Temodar capsules block cancer cells in human body and thus, reduce the pace of growth and spread of these cells.

How to use Temodar

Temodar is consumed orally, and has to be taken once a day, for five days uninterruptedly. Also, follow the prescription given by your doctor.

This medication has to be taken on an empty stomach, either one hour before the meal, or three hours after the meal. The medicine has to taken with a full glass of water.

If anti-nausea medications are prescribed along with Temodar, then take them along, in the manner prescribed by the doctor.

Temodar warnings and precautions

Temodar should not be crushed or chewed before consumption. Also, if after 30 minutes of consumption of these capsules, a patient vomits, then he should immediately consult the doctor.

Inform your doctor, if you are already have nausea and/or vomiting. You’ll be then be prescribed some anti-nausea capsules before the treatment begins.

Before consuming a Temodar capsule, make sure that it is not opened or unwrapped. If found open, do not inhale or touch the ingredients.

Before taking in this medicine, give a history of any liver, kidney or heart diseases to your doctor. Also, inform him about any blood disorders or allergies, if you have been suffering before.

Pregnant and lactating women are not advised to take these capsules. They must first consult their doctors. Also, it is recommended that patients use efficient birth control, while undergoing medication of Temodar. Temodar capsules should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and light.

What do I do if I have missed a Temodar dose?

If you have missed your Temodar dose you should take the dose immediately when you remember it. But if the time of next dose has approached already, then do not take the missed one, as it may cause an over dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Temodar overdose?

If you have taken a Temodar overdose you should immediately consult your doctor.

Temodar interactions

Temodar should not be taken along with other medicines like, Carbatrol, Tegretol, Depakote, Depakene, Depacon or any other sulfa drugs. These drugs are likely to interact with Temodar capsules and cause problems in the body.

Also, a patient must consult his doctor, before taking any other medicine of vitamins, minerals or herbal products.

Temodar side effects

Temodar side effects include nausea, fatigue, constipation, or headache. Consult your doctor, if you suffer from any of the above.

One may experience strange dizziness, frequent bleeding, or sore throat, after taking Temodar capsules. Also, there may be some mood swings, vision problems, skin rashes, diarrhea, or improper sleep due to this drug.

If a patient experiences fever, or chills because of Temodar capsules, then he must ask his doctor without delay, before continuing the dosage.

If any allergy occurs after taking this medicine, immediately consult your doctor. These may include, hives, swelling on face or lips, or trouble in breathing.

Body may feel numb or a tingling sensation is felt in some cases. One may experience loss of appetite, or weight loss, sores inside the mouth or on lips, due to this drug. These are some of the side effects of Temodar.