TEMODAR (TEMOZOLOMIDE)

Temodar Description

Temodar is an oral chemotherapy medication prescribed for treating a specific type of cancer called glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a common and aggressive form of brain tumor that occurs mostly in adults. Your treatment may also include surgery, with maximal removal of tumor, radiation that uses high energy rays in order to cause damage to the DNA inside the cells so the cells are not able to divide and multiply, and then chemotherapy with Temodar. There are rest periods in between the cycles of treatment so your body can rebuild healthy cells while the cancer cells are often unable to do.

Taking Temodar Damages Cancer Cell’s DNA

Temozolomide is the active ingredient of Temodar and it works as an alkylating agent by interfering with the delicate structure of the DNA molecule so the proteins are unable to link up as they are supposed to. This causes the DNA strands to break and the eventual death of the cancer cell which is very sensitive to any DNA damage. Temodar is to be taken whole as directed with a full glass of water on an empty stomach.

More About GBM

GBM tumors occur from star-shaped cells, called astrocytes, that make up the supportive tissue of your brain. Symptoms include frequent headaches, memory loss, seizures, personality changes, and speech or vision changes. This is usually due to the growing tumor pressing against or damaging nerves and other structures. There is no cure for this aggressive type of brain tumor, only treatment that can slow the progression of the cancer and relieve any pains and symptoms you have to improve your quality of life.

Before Temodar is Prescribed

Ask your doctor about the consequences of taking Temodar while you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Whether you are a man or a woman, your doctor may advise you to use an effective form of birth control during treatment. Discuss other health issues with your doctor and list any current OTC or Rx drugs you take or use, including herbal remedies and vitamin or dietary supplements, to determine if Temodar is the right chemotherapy drug for you.

Temodar Precautions and Recommendations

Your ability to fight off infections or to form blood clots will be compromised while taking Temodar, which means you are more susceptible to bleeding from an injury or becoming ill from being in the company of people that are sick. Try to avoid crowded areas where you are exposed to germs and situations that could cause an injury.

Possible Side Effects of Temodar

• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Nausea/vomiting
• Diarrhea/constipation