Temozolomide is an anti-neoplastic drug that belongs to the alkylating agent-triazine group. It was approved by the FDA on August 11, 1999, for treating certain brain cancers.

Temozolomide is an alkylating drug used to treat adults with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (one of the fast-growing cancers that occur in the brain and spinal cord). It is given along with radiotherapy and then as maintenance treatment. It is also indicated to treat refractory anaplastic astrocytoma who have experienced disease progression on a drug therapy containing nitrosourea and procarbazine hydrochloride.

Temozolomide is a prescription drug available as an oral capsule and powder for injection. The drug will be prescribed by the healthcare professional. Your physician will determine the medicine's dose, dosage form, and frequency. 

Generally, for treating Refractory Anaplastic astrocytoma of the brain initially, 150mg/m² as a capsule or injection is given once every day for five days followed by a 23-day break before repeating the next dosage cycle. Then during the maintenance phase dose may be increased or maintained at 200 mg/m²  orally or intravenously once every day for five days, followed by a 28-day cycle if the absolute neutrophil count is more than >1500 mm³ and platelets are more than >100,000 mm³. For treating glioblastoma Multiforme initially temozolomide  75 mg/m² orally or intravenously is given once every day for 42 days along with the radiotherapy.

The common side effects of temozolomide are excessive hair loss, constipation, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, headache, seizure, tiredness, bruising, rash, paralysis on one side of the body, diarrhea, weakness, fever, dizziness, coordination problems, viral infection, sleep problems,  memory loss. Other serious side effects include decreased blood cells, frequent seizures, liver injury, and pneumonia. There may be side effects during the drug infusion, such as itching in the skin, redness at the site of administration, and shortness of breath. Inform your physician if you face any of the symptoms.

The drug temozolomide may cause bone marrow depression and decreases the number of platelets, white blood cells, or red blood cells. It is advisable to monitor your blood counts periodically before, during, and after the treatment. The drug is intended to cause Pneumocystis Pneumonia; if you have symptoms of infections, difficulty breathing, or cough, inform your healthcare professional immediately. Temozolomide is not recommended to use during pregnancy because it may have harmful effects on the baby. Contact your physician if you are pregnant during the treatment or planning to get pregnant.

The drug may cause allergic reactions; notify your doctor if you see any signs of rash, itchy skin, redness, Swelling of your lips or tongue, sudden cough, and low blood pressure.  Inform your physician if you have any kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, blood/bleeding problems, or infection and about all the other prescribed, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, or herbal medications you take. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to get pregnant. Men using this medication who have a pregnant partner or who can become pregnant should use birth control methods during treatment and for 3 months after stopping treatment.

Temozolomide can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, or flu). Store the medicine at a controlled room temperature; keep it away from children and pets. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely.

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The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.