About temozolomide
Alkylating chemotherapy medicine
Used for
- Treats certain brain cancers, including glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma.
Usual adult dose
Glioblastoma: 75 mg/m² once daily during radiotherapy, then usually 150–200 mg/m² daily for five days every 28 days. Other regimens vary.
Usual dose in children
For certain recurrent brain tumors: usually 150–200 mg/m² once daily for five days every 28 days; specialist-directed.
Common side effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue and headache
- Low blood cell counts
- Constipation or loss of appetite
Important warnings
- Can severely lower blood cells and increase infection or bleeding risk.
- May cause serious liver injury; blood tests are needed.
- Capsules must be swallowed whole; avoid opening or crushing.
- Requires specialist supervision and regular blood monitoring.
Pregnancy
May harm an unborn baby. Effective contraception is required during treatment and for six months afterward.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for one week after the final dose.
Interactions
- Valproic acid may increase temozolomide exposure.
- Other medicines that suppress bone marrow may increase blood-count problems.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.