Uses of Temozolomide

Temozolomide is used to treat specific forms of brain tumors such as glioblastoma multiforme (in adults) and malignant glioma (glioblastoma multiforme or anaplastic astrocytoma) (in adults and children).

Therapeutic Category

Temozolomide: Antineoplastic agents

How Temozolomide works

Temozolomide works by damaging the genetic material (DNA and RNA) of the cancer cells inside the brain cells which results in preventing their cell growth and multiplication thereby preventing the spread of the cancer to other parts of the body.

Common side effects of Temozolomide

• loss of appetite
• difficulty while speaking
• headache
• vomiting, nausea
• diarrhea
• constipation
• hair loss
• tiredness, dizziness
• infections, oral infections
• feeling sick, extreme tiredness, loss of appetite (signs of neutropenia)
• fever, cough, runny nose (signs of lymphopenia)
• prolonged cuts, bleeding from gums, blood in urine (signs of thrombocytopenia)
• allergic reactions
• memory impairment
• difficulty concentrating
• visual disturbances
• deafness, ringing in the ears, earache
• blood clot in lung or legs
• high blood pressure
• shortness of breath
• bronchitis
• cough and cold
• inflammation of your sinuses
• stomach or abdominal pain
• dry skin, itching
• muscle damage, muscle aches and pain, muscle weakness
• frequent urination
• flu-like symptoms such as chills, cough, fever, muscle aches
• weight gain or loss
• radiation injury such as weakness, hair loss and bloody vomit
• reduction in red, white blood cells count and platelets
• edema (swelling)
• malaise
• dehydration
• taste disturbance
• motor nerve disorder affecting upper and lower limbs (motor neuropathy)
• sensory nerve disorder resulting in loss of sensation throughout the body (sensory neuropathy) 

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• signs of a severe allergic (hypersensitive) reaction such as itchy red skin, wheezing or other breathing difficulty
• certain kinds of blood cells which are severely reduced such as white blood cell and platelet count
• uncontrolled bleeding
• seizures (fits)
• fever and symptoms of infections such as cough, chills, sweat
• chills
• severe headache

Health Tips for Temozolomide

• Take Temozolomide exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Never adjust the dosage or stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor
• Avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Temozolomide, as it may increase the risk of certain side effects
• Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy or breast feeding