Temozolomide
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
NO
Pharmaceutical Class
Alkylating Drug
Controlled Drug Substance
NO
Temozolomide
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Click HereSummary
Temozolomide is used to treat certain types of brain tumors, including glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma.
Temozolomide is an alkylating agent. It works by adding an alkyl group to the DNA of cancer cells, which damages the DNA and prevents the cancer cells from dividing and growing.
For adults with newly diagnosed glioblastoma, Temozolomide is typically given at 75 mg/m daily for 42 to 49 days during radiotherapy, followed by 150 mg/m to 200 mg/m daily for 5 days in each 28-day cycle. For children aged 3 years and older with recurrent malignant glioma, the dose is 200 mg/m daily for 5 days in a 28-day cycle. Temozolomide is taken orally.
Common side effects of Temozolomide include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headache, and loss of appetite. Serious adverse effects can include myelosuppression, leading to low blood cell counts, liver toxicity, and secondary malignancies.
Temozolomide is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to the drug or dacarbazine. It can cause myelosuppression, increase the risk of infections, and may lead to liver toxicity and secondary malignancies. It can harm an unborn baby, so effective contraception is necessary for both men and women during treatment. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking this medication.
Indications and Purpose
How does one know if Temozolomide is working?
The benefit of Temozolomide is evaluated through regular medical check-ups and laboratory tests. Doctors monitor blood cell counts to assess the patient's response to treatment and adjust the dosage if necessary. Imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans, are used to evaluate the tumor's response to the medication. Patients should report any side effects or changes in their condition to their healthcare provider to ensure the treatment is effective and safe.
How does Temozolomide work?
Temozolomide is an alkylating agent that works by adding an alkyl group to the DNA of cancer cells. This process damages the DNA, preventing the cancer cells from dividing and growing. The drug is not directly active but is converted in the body to a compound that exerts its cytotoxic effects. By interfering with the DNA replication process, Temozolomide helps to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
Is Temozolomide effective?
Temozolomide has been shown to be effective in treating certain types of brain tumors, such as glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Temozolomide, when used in combination with radiotherapy, improves overall survival rates in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. The medication works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells, providing a significant benefit in managing these aggressive tumors.
What is Temozolomide?
Temozolomide is a medication used to treat certain types of brain tumors, such as glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma. It belongs to a class of drugs called alkylating agents, which work by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. Temozolomide is often used in combination with radiotherapy to improve survival rates in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. It is taken orally and requires careful monitoring for side effects.
What is Temozolomide used for?
Temozolomide is indicated for the treatment of certain types of brain tumors, including newly diagnosed glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma. It is used in combination with radiotherapy for glioblastoma and as a single agent for anaplastic astrocytoma. The medication helps to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells, providing a therapeutic option for managing these aggressive tumors.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Temozolomide?
The typical duration of Temozolomide treatment varies based on the type of brain tumor and the patient's response. For newly diagnosed glioblastoma, it is used for 42 to 49 days during radiotherapy, followed by up to 6 cycles of maintenance therapy. Each cycle lasts 28 days, with Temozolomide taken for 5 days and then a 23-day break. The total duration depends on the patient's response and tolerance to the treatment.
How do I take Temozolomide?
Temozolomide should be taken at the same time each day, preferably on an empty stomach or at bedtime to reduce nausea. Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of water, and do not open, chew, or crush them. There are no specific food restrictions, but taking the medication consistently with respect to food (either always with or always without) is recommended. If you have any questions about your dosage or how to take the medication, consult your healthcare provider.
How should I store Temozolomide?
Temozolomide should be stored in its original container, tightly closed, and kept out of reach of children. It should be stored at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture, and not in the bathroom. Unused medication should be disposed of properly, preferably through a medicine take-back program, to prevent accidental ingestion by children or pets. Always follow the storage instructions provided by your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
What is the usual dose of Temozolomide?
For adults with newly diagnosed glioblastoma, Temozolomide is typically administered at 75 mg/m² daily for 42 to 49 days during radiotherapy, followed by 150 mg/m² to 200 mg/m² daily for 5 days in each 28-day cycle. For children aged 3 years and older with recurrent malignant glioma, the dose is 200 mg/m² daily for 5 days in a 28-day cycle. Always follow your doctor's specific dosage instructions.
Warnings and Precautions
Can I take Temozolomide with other prescription drugs?
Temozolomide may interact with other medications that affect blood cell counts, increasing the risk of myelosuppression. It's important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Some medications, such as valproic acid, may slightly decrease the clearance of Temozolomide. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication while on Temozolomide to avoid potential interactions.
Can Temozolomide be taken safely while breastfeeding?
It is not known whether Temozolomide is excreted in human milk, but due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed children, women are advised not to breastfeed during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose. If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor to make an informed decision about your treatment and your child's health.
Can Temozolomide be taken safely while pregnant?
Temozolomide can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman, as evidenced by animal studies and postmarketing reports of congenital malformations and spontaneous abortions. Women of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months after the last dose. Men with female partners of reproductive potential should use condoms during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose. Pregnant women should be informed of the potential risks to the fetus.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Temozolomide?
Temozolomide may cause fatigue, which can limit your ability to exercise. If you experience fatigue or any other side effects that affect your ability to exercise, it's important to discuss this with your doctor. They can provide guidance on how to manage these side effects and suggest appropriate levels of physical activity. It's important to listen to your body and not overexert yourself during treatment.
Is Temozolomide safe for the elderly?
Elderly patients, particularly those over 70, may have an increased risk of neutropenia and thrombocytopenia when taking Temozolomide. It's important for elderly patients to have regular blood tests to monitor blood cell counts and to report any unusual symptoms to their doctor. Dose adjustments may be necessary based on the patient's response and tolerance to the medication. Close monitoring by healthcare professionals is essential to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Who should avoid taking Temozolomide?
Temozolomide is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to the drug or dacarbazine. It can cause myelosuppression, leading to low blood cell counts, and may increase the risk of infections. Patients should be monitored for signs of liver toxicity and secondary malignancies. Temozolomide can harm an unborn baby, so effective contraception is necessary for both men and women during treatment. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking this medication.
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