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What is Temozolomide?
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Temozolomide is
used to treat brain tumours. It is type of drug
known as an alkylating agent and was discovered
by The Cancer Research Campaign. It works by
stopping cancer cells from making new DNA. If
they cannot make DNA, they can’t split into 2
new cancer cells. |
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What should I do before taking
Temozolomide? |
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Before taking temozolomide, tell
your doctor if you have liver disease, or kidney
disease. |
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You may not be able to take
temozolomide, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during
treatment if you have either of the conditions
listed above. |
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Temozolomide is in the FDA
pregnancy category D. This means that
temozolomide is known to cause birth defects in
an unborn baby. Do not take temozolomide without
first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant
or could become pregnant during treatment. Men
and women who take temozolomide should use birth
control to ensure protection from pregnancy. Men
treated with temozolomide may also want to
discuss the option of banking sperm prior to
treatment. |
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It is not known whether
temozolomide passes into breast milk. Since
temozolomide may be harmful to a nursing infant,
breast-feeding is not recommended during
treatment with temozolomide. |
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If you are over the age of 70
years, you may be more likely to experience side
effects from temozolomide. You may require
special monitoring during treatment. |
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Temozolomide interaction with
other drugs |
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Before taking temozolomide, tell
your doctor if you are taking divalproex sodium
(Depakote) or valproic acid (Depakene, Depacon).
You may require a dosage adjustment or special
monitoring during your treatment. |
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Drugs other than those listed
here may also interact with temozolomide. Talk
to your doctor and pharmacist before taking or
using any other prescription or over-the-counter
medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and
herbal products. |
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How should I take Temozolomide
properly? |
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Take temozolomide exactly as
directed by your doctor. If you do not
understand these instructions, ask your
pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to
you.
Temozolomide should only be
prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider
experienced in the use of cancer
chemotherapeutic agents.
Take temozolomide on an empty
stomach (at least one hour before a meal) or at
bedtime. This may reduce nausea caused by the
medication.
It is important to take
temozolomide regularly to get the most benefit.
Your doctor may want you to have
regularly scheduled blood tests and other
medical evaluations during treatment with
temozolomide to monitor progress and side
effects. |
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What should I do if I miss a
dose of Temozolomide? |
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Contact your doctor if you miss a
dose of temozolomide. |
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What should I do if I overdose
Temozolomide? |
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Seek emergency medical attention
or contact your doctor. |
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Temozolomide side effects
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Many people have
one or more of the following side effects |
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Fatigue -
patients say this is the most disruptive side
effect of all. Tiredness often carries on after
treatment has ended. Most people find their
energy levels are back to normal from 6 months
to a year after their treatment finishes.
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Temporary drop in
bone marrow function causing |
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Drop in white
blood cell count. This increases the risk of
bacterial infection. You may have headaches,
aching muscles, cough, sore throat, pain when
passing urine or feel cold and shivery.
Infections can
sometimes be life threatening. You should
urgently contact your doctor if you think you
have an infection. |
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Drop in red cell
count (anaemia), which may make you feel tired
and look pale or be short of breath. You may
need a blood transfusion or treatment to bring
up your red cell count. |
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Drop in platelet
numbers in the blood causing bleeding or
bruising. You may have lots of tiny red spots
or bruises on your arms or legs. You may have
nosebleeds or bleeding gums. |
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Contact your hospital if you have any of these
bone marrow side effects.
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Feeling or
being sick – this can start within a couple
of hours of having the capsules and last
until the next day. You should have been
given anti-sickness medicine to take
regularly. Tell
your doctor if your anti-sickness medication
is not working. |
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Loss
of appetite
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Taste
changes
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Bowel
disturbances – this drug can cause
diarrhoea or constipation. Drink plenty of
fluids if you have either of these.
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This
drug may have a harmful effect on a baby
that is developing in your womb. It is not
advisable to become pregnant or father a
child if you are having this drug. You
should talk about contraception with your
doctor before having the treatment.
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Loss
of fertility - you may not be able to get
pregnant or father a child after treatment
with this drug. It is important to talk to
your doctor about your fertility before
starting treatment. |
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Storage of Temozolomide
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Store temozolomide at room
temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep
this medication away from children and pets. |
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