Prescription Drugs

CapsulesChemical Name: TEMOZOLOMIDE

Common usesThis medicine is an antineoplastic agent used to treat certain types of brain tumors in certain patients. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before usingSome medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking corticosteroids (such as prednisone). DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions kidney or liver problems, low white blood cell counts, low blood platelet levels, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

DirectionsFollow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. An additional patient information leaflet is available with this medicine. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. Take this medicine by mouth with or without food. However, you should take it the same way each time in relation to food. Taking this medicine on an empty stomach or taking it at bedtime may reduce the risk of nausea and vomiting. TAKE THIS MEDICINE WITH A FULL GLASS of water. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. DO NOT OPEN THE CAPSULE. If the capsule is opened accidently, do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, mouth, or on your skin. If you do, rinse the affected area with water. You may receive 2 or more types or colors of capsules. BE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND EXACTLY HOW MUCH OF THIS MEDICINE TO TAKE AND HOW OFTEN YOU SHOULD TAKE IT. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. TO LESSEN THE CHANCE OF NAUSEA, take this medicine on an empty stomach or at bedtime. IF NAUSEA, VOMITING, OR LOSS OF APPETITE OCCURS, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for ways to lessen these effects. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, contact your doctor immediately.

CautionsDO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it, to dacarbazine, or if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. If you take more than the recommended dose, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including complete blood counts may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. This medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE MAY REDUCE THE NUMBER OF BLOOD CELLS THAT ARE NEEDED FOR CLOTTING. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations where bruising or injury may occur. THIS MEDICINE MAY LOWER YOUR RESISTANCE TO INFECTION. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with colds or other infections. Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first. THIS MEDICINE MAY INCREASE YOUR RISK OF DEVELOPING A SECOND CANCER. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. MEN WHO TAKE THIS MEDICINE SHOULD ALWAYS USE A CONDOM when having sex with a woman who may become pregnant. Do this for as long as you take this medicine. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. Do not become pregnant while you are using it. Use an effective form of birth control while you are taking this medicine. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Possible side effectsSIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include anxiety; back pain; breast pain; constipation; cough; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry skin; hair loss; headache; joint pain; loss of appetite; mouth sores; muscle aches; nausea; stomach pain; taste changes; tiredness; trouble sleeping; vomiting; weakness; or weight gain. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain; confusion; coughing up blood; depression; difficulty swallowing; increased or painful urination; fever, chills, or sore throat; loss of bladder control; loss of coordination; memory loss; muscle pain or weakness; numbness and tingling; paralysis; persistent cough; seizures; severe or prolonged headache; severe tiredness or weakness; shortness of breath; speech changes; sudden, severe weight gain; swelling of the ankle feet or hands; unusual bruising or bleeding; trouble walking; vision changes (such as blurred or double vision). An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too muchIf overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include severe bleeding or persistent fever.

Additional informationDO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets.