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Temozolomide ( teh-moh-ZOE-loe-myde ) (Temodar®) What is this medication used for? Temozolomide is used to treat some types of brain tumors and some sarcomas.
What does it look like? • Capsule How is it given? • By mouth (oral or po) What are the common side effects? • Nausea and vomiting • Hair loss (alopecia)
Special instructions: • The medication should be taken with water on an empty stomach at the same time every day. • Capsules should not be opened. • A stool softener is recommended to prevent constipation (hard or infrequent bowel movements). Call a healthcare provider if no bowel movements occur for 2 days or more. • Call a healthcare provider if fever, chills, vomiting, increasing headache, a change in coordination, or difficulty or pain when urinating occur. • Medications may be given to help prevent or control nausea or vomiting. • Do not become pregnant, father a child, or breastfeed while taking this medication. It may be important to use birth control while taking this medicine and for several months after treatment is completed.
• Constipation (hard stools) • Loss of appetite (anorexia) • Feeling tired (fatigue, malaise) • Headache • Mouth sores (mucositis) What are the less common side effects? • Low red blood cell, white blood cells, and platelet counts (pancytopenia) • Changed to liver function test • Weakness • Difficulty sleeping (insomnia) • Problems with balance
• Excessive sleepiness • Diarrhea (loose stools) • Swelling of feet or legs
• Damage to unborn child (birth defects) What are the serious side effects? • Fever, chills, facial flushing, and shortness of breath (rare) • Seizures • Confusion • Memory loss
Notes from Your Healthcare Team
Not all of the possible side effects of this medicine and precautions related to taking it are covered in this information sheet. For a complete list of side effects and precautions, ask your healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, pharmacist) for a manufacturer’s package insert or another reference.
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