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Home > Drug Category > Neurological Treatments > Temodar and Equivalent

Temodar Information

Temodar (Temozolomide) is an oral chemotherapy medication prescribed to treat specific types of aggressive brain cancers. Specifically, it is approved for treating newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme, which is a highly malignant, fast-growing type of brain tumor. It is used in combination with radiotherapy and then continued as a standalone treatment afterward. It is also used to treat anaplastic astrocytoma, a type of malignant brain tumor, primarily in individuals whose disease has progressed after trying other chemotherapy regimens (refractory cases).

Temozolomide is an inactive prodrug that crosses the blood-brain barrier due to its small size and fat-soluble nature. Once inside the body, it spontaneously converts to its active form without requiring liver metabolism. This active compound works by interfering with the DNA replication process in rapidly dividing cancer cells. It introduces methyl groups onto the DNA molecule, which leads to DNA damage and ultimately cell death. This mechanism helps to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body, particularly in the brain.

Temodar Side Effects

Temozolomide is generally better tolerated than older, traditional intravenous brain cancer treatments, but it still presents a very specific profile of mild and serious adverse effects. Some common side effects of this medication include nausea and vomiting, headache, feeling tired, loss of appetite, constipation, hair loss, mild bruising, diarrhea, weakness, fever, and dizziness. If you experience any of these mild side effects and they persist or worsen, promptly inform your doctor.

This medication can cause some serious side effects, such as recurrent or serious infections, secondary blood cancers such as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and liver problems. Your doctor will monitor your complete blood counts (CBC) and liver function during your regular visits while you are on this medication. However, consult your doctor as soon as possible if you notice serious side effects such as:
• Liver problems such as abdominal pain, yellow eyes or skin, passage of dark colored urine;
• Signs of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP, a serious fungal lung infection), such as shortness of breath and/or fever, chills, and dry cough;
• Unusual or persistent bruising and bleeding, which may indicate severe bone marrow suppression (myelosuppression)

Also, seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat;
• Convulsions (seizures)

Be sure to inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Temodar Precautions

Do not use this medication if you have an allergic reaction to temozolomide, dacarbazine (as both drugs metabolize into the same active compound), other ingredients of Temodar, or any other cancer medication. Also, before using Temodar, it is highly important to inform your doctor of any medical condition you previously or currently have, especially:
• Blood or bleeding problems such as anemia, low white blood cell counts, or low platelets (thrombocytopenia);
• Kidney disease;
• Liver disease, including hepatitis B infection, which can become reactivated during treatment

This medication should be used with caution in elderly individuals aged 75 and older, as they are more prone to developing side effects, particularly severe drop-offs in blood cell counts. Like most chemotherapeutic agents, Temodar can suppress your immune system. Therefore, live vaccines must be avoided while taking this medication, as receiving them can lead to severe, unchecked viral replication and vaccine-derived infection. Using temozolomide alongside other alkylating agents or bone marrow-depleting therapies can worsen the potential blood toxicity of this medication, substantially increasing the risk of severe blood cell-related complications. Therefore, make sure you inform your doctor about all the medications, including herbal medications and supplements, you are taking before starting Temodar to prevent drug interactions.

Temodar is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it can harm the fetus. Women of reproductive potential taking this medication must employ the use of reliable forms of contraceptives during treatment and for 6 months after the last dose. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, inform your doctor immediately. Men taking this medication with female partners of reproductive potential should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 3 months after the final dose. Breastfeeding women are advised not to breastfeed during treatment with this medication and for at least 1 week after the final dose. Store Temodar capsules at 25°C (with excursions permitted to 15°C–30°C), away from extreme temperatures, and keep them in their original bottles, out of reach of children and pets. Do not open, chew, or crush the capsules; if a capsule is damaged, avoid inhaling the powder or letting it contact your skin or eyes.

Do I need a prescription to order Temodar?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Temodar.