Chemo Drugs
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Temodar (Temozolomide)
What Does It Look Like?
White Capsules
How Is It Given?
Oral (mouth)
Why Am I Taking It?
Temodar is an anti-cancer drug that stops cell growth and division. It is used to treat brain tumors.
What Side Effects May Occur?
You may experience some, all, or none of those listed. Most side effects do not last long. Tell the doctor or nurse about any that you notice. The information here does not include all possible side effects; others may occur. Please report any problems to your doctor.
Low Blood Counts
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A drop in blood cell counts, especially white blood cells and platelets occurs within the first few cycles of treatment. Recovery to normal levels occurs usually within 2 weeks after the drop.
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Blood tests will be done to monitor this. Call your doctor about any signs of bleeding or infection. Avoid situations where you might be exposed to people with infections.
Nausea, Vomiting, Appetite Loss
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Mild to moderate nausea and vomiting may occur. You will be given a prescription for medicines to prevent and control this. It may also help to take the medicine before bedtime or at least an hour before a meal.
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May experience appetite loss.
Other
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Headache. Over the counter preparations such as Tylenol may be used after checking with your doctor. This headache is different from the headache that you may already have from your brain tumor.
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Fatigue is common. It is important to realize that even with more sleep and rest, you may still fatigued and not have your "normal" stamina. Regular exercise such as walking often helps improve the quality of your sleep. Be aware of your own activity limitations and try to stay within them.
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Constipation. Drink plenty of fluids, about 2-3 quarts a day.
Special Notes
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The capsule needs to be swallowed whole with water. Do not chew it or open the capsules. If you are not able to swallow the capsules, let your doctor or nurse know.
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Your dose will be tailored to your height and weight. You may have several capsules of different strengths to take to make your dose correct. Ask your pharmacist or doctor to have your temodar packaged into bottles labeled with the day. For example, day 1, day 2, etc. This way you won't have to worry that you've taken the right dose yourself.
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If you do accidentally take too many capsules, let your doctor or nurse know right away.
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If you find a capsule broken in the bottle, do not inhale the powder or let it come into contact with your hands, eyes or nose. It will burn. If you do accidentally get the powder on your skin or eyes, flush the area well with water running directly from the tap and call your doctor.
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Make sure that your doctor knows all of the medicines, herbs and vitamins that you are taking. Currently there are no known drug to drug interactions, but temodar is a relatively new drug.
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Changes in your menstrual cycle or sperm counts may occur. Discuss birth control measures with your doctor as it is not advisable to conceive or to father children while taking this drug
What If I Miss A Dose?
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If you vomit within 30 minutes of taking your temodar, let your doctor know. He/she may tell you to take another dose on the 6th day.
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If you forget to take a dose, do not try to make it up. Call your doctor for instructions about what to do.
How Do I Store It?