TEMOZOLOMIDE belongs to a class of medicines called 'anti-cancer/ antitumor agent', used to treat specific forms of brain tumours such as glioblastoma multiforme (a type of tumour that grows and spreads rapidly) in adults and malignant glioma, including glioblastoma multiforme or anaplastic astrocytoma (a rare malignant brain tumour) in patients older than 3years. A brain tumour is an uncontrolled and unregulated proliferation of cells in the brain.
TEMOZOLOMIDE contains Temozolomide which works by inhibiting the production of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid-genetic material of the cell), thereby affecting cell growth and division. Thus, TEMOZOLOMIDE prevents tumours from growing.
Take TEMOZOLOMIDE as prescribed. In some cases, TEMOZOLOMIDE may cause loss of appetite, anxiety, confusion, headache, vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, muscle weakness, muscle aches, and fever. Most of these side effects of TEMOZOLOMIDE do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Let your doctor know if you are allergic to any of the contents. TEMOZOLOMIDE is not recommended for patients with severe bone marrow depression or significant bleeding. Avoid taking TEMOZOLOMIDE if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Both women and men using TEMOZOLOMIDE should use birth control to avoid pregnancy and fathering a child. It would be best not to drive and/or operate machines that require alertness as TEMOZOLOMIDE may cause tiredness or sleepiness.
Brain tumour
TEMOZOLOMIDE belongs to a class of medicines called anti-cancer/antitumor agents used to treat specific forms of brain tumours such as glioblastoma multiforme (a type of tumour that grows and spreads rapidly) in adults and malignant glioma, including glioblastoma multiforme or anaplastic astrocytoma (a rare malignant brain tumour) in patients older than 3years. It contains Temozolomide which works by binding to the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid-genetic material of the cell) and interfering with cell growth and division. Thus, TEMOZOLOMIDE prevents tumours from growing.
TEMOZOLOMIDE should be taken under strict medical supervision. The doctor will regularly monitor your condition while taking TEMOZOLOMIDE. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking TEMOZOLOMIDE for as long as your doctor has prescribed. Do not stop TEMOZOLOMIDE midway under any circumstances without consulting the healthcare professional. Inform your doctor if you have an allergy to any components of TEMOZOLOMIDE. Inform your doctor before taking TEMOZOLOMIDE if you have allergic reactions, infections, lung, renal or hepatic disorders or low blood count (including neutropenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia). TEMOZOLOMIDE is not recommended for patients with severe bone marrow depression or significant bleeding. Avoid taking TEMOZOLOMIDE if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Both women and men using TEMOZOLOMIDE should use birth control to avoid pregnancy or fathering a child. Do not receive any vaccinations or immunizations without your doctor's approval while taking TEMOZOLOMIDE.
Drug-Drug Interactions: TEMOZOLOMIDE interacts with medicines used to treat infections (e.g. adalimumab), medicines used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (e.g. baricitinib, certolizumab, golimumab, infliximab, leflunomide, upadacitinib), medicines used to treat certain cancers (e.g. cladribine), medicines used to treat mental/mood disorders (e.g. clozapine), medicines used to treat multiple sclerosis (e.g. fingolimod, siponimod, teriflunomide), cholesterol-lowering medications (e.g. lomitapide), and vaccines (e.g. BCG vaccine, influenza virus vaccine, measles virus vaccine, rotavirus vaccine, rubella virus vaccine smallpox vaccine, typhoid vaccine, varicella virus vaccine, yellow fever vaccine, zoster vaccine).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid the consumption of alcohol while taking TEMOZOLOMIDE.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor before taking the TEMOZOLOMIDE you are suffering from urticaria or allergic reactions, bleeding disorders, myelosuppression (bone marrow depression), low blood counts, hepatic or renal dysfunction or disorders.
You are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking TEMOZOLOMIDE. It could lead to unpleasant side effects.
Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns about this. TEMOZOLOMIDE should not be used during pregnancy unless prescribed by your doctor. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during the treatment and for 6months after completion of the treatment.
TEMOZOLOMIDE should not be taken during breastfeeding as it passes into the breastmilk and may harm the baby.
TEMOZOLOMIDE may make you feel tired or sleepy. Drive and/or operate machines only if you are alert.
If you have had a history or evidence of any liver-related diseases, please consult the doctor before using TEMOZOLOMIDE. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing TEMOZOLOMIDE.
If you have had a history or evidence of any kidney-related diseases, please consult the doctor before using TEMOZOLOMIDE. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing TEMOZOLOMIDE.
Safety and effectiveness of TEMOZOLOMIDE in paediatric patients under the age of three have not been established.
Brain tumour: A brain tumour is an uncontrolled, unregulated proliferation of cells in the brain. The cancerous cells can invade and destroy surrounding healthy tissue, including organs. The symptoms of a brain tumour differ depending on the tumour's location in the brain. Common symptoms include headaches, fits (seizures), feeling unwell or being sick all the time, behavioural changes, paralysis, sickness, eyesight or speech impairments.