Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of it and do not take it for a longer time than directed. To do so may increase the chance of unwanted side effects.

This medicine should come with a patient information leaflet. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Take this medicine at the same time each day, either with or without food.

Temozolomide often causes nausea and vomiting. However, it is very important that you continue to take the medicine, even if you begin to feel ill. You may take the medicine on an empty stomach or at bedtime may help to lessen the nausea. Ask your doctor for other ways to help lessen these effects.

Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of water. Do not open, chew, or dissolve it. If the capsule is opened accidentally, do not allow the powder to contact your skin, mouth, or nose. Be careful not to inhale the contents of the capsule.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (capsules):
    • For newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme:
      • Adults—Dose is based on body size and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 75 milligrams (mg) per square meter (m[2]) of body size once day for 42 to 49 days together with radiation treatment. Followed by a maintenance treatment of 150 mg/m2 on Days 1 to 5 of each 28-day cycle for 6 cycles. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For newly diagnosed anaplastic astrocytoma:
      • Adults—Dose is based on body size and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 150 milligrams (mg) per square meter (m[2]) of body size once a day on Days 1 to 5 of each 28-day cycle for 12 cycles starting at 4 weeks after receiving radiation treatment. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For refractory anaplastic astrocytoma:
      • Adults—Dose is based on body size and must be determined by your doctor. The starting dose is usually 150 milligrams (mg) per square meter (m[2]) of body size once a day on Days 1 to 5 of each 28-day cycle. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024

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