Temodar®
Brand Name: Temodar®
Active Ingredient:
temozolomide
Strength(s): 5
mg, 20mg, 100mg, & 250mg
Dosage Form(s):
Capsules
Company Name:
Schering Corporation
Availability:
Prescription only
Date Approved by
FDA: August 11, 1999
What is Temodar used for?
Temodar is used to treat a form of
brain cancer (
anaplastic astrocytoma) in adults whose disease progressed after
radiation therapy and
chemotherapy with
nitrosoureas and
procarbazine, drugs commonly used to treat brain cancers.
At this time, it is not known whether Temodar will improve symptoms, keep the disease from getting worse, or help patients live longer.
General Precautions with Temodar:
Temodar can cause a decrease in the body’s ability to produce
bone marrow (
myelosupression), which is needed to form several components of the
blood. Your doctor will check you for this condition while you are being treated with Temodar.
If you have a history of severe
liver or
kidney problems your doctor will evaluate and decide if Temodar is right for you.
Because Temodar can cause
birth defects, women should avoid becoming
pregnant and stop
breast-feeding a
baby and nursing while taking Temodar. Tell your health care provider if you are already pregnant or are breast-feeding. Men and women taking Temodar should use effective
birth control.
Possible side effects:
Nausea
Vomiting
Headache
Tiredness
Constipation
Low blood count
Weakness
Memory loss
Drowsiness
Back pain
Fever
Diarrhea
Itching
Dizziness
Swelling in arms or legs
Tingling or
burning feeling
Stomach pain
Loss of
appetite
Anxiety
More information can be found at www.fda.gov/cder/ or on the
package insert.