Temozolomide 20mg.

Temozolomide 20mg. — Uses and Benefits

Temozolomide is a chemotherapy medicine mainly used to treat certain types of brain tumours.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Treatment of newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme, usually along with radiotherapy
• Treatment of certain brain tumours (such as anaplastic astrocytoma) that have come back or worsened after other treatments

HOW IT WORKS

• It belongs to a class of medicines called alkylating agents
• It damages the DNA of rapidly dividing cancer cells, stopping them from growing and multiplying
• This eventually leads to the death of cancer cells while affecting normal cells to a lesser extent

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• It is not a painkiller or general cancer cure for all cancer types
• It is not used for infections or non-cancerous brain conditions
• It should not be used without a confirmed diagnosis and prescription from a cancer specialist
• It is not meant for self-medication under any circumstance

Your doctor will decide the exact dose, duration and cycle based on your body weight, blood counts and type of tumour.

How to Use Temozolomide 20mg.

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your oncologist, in the dose and cycle length advised
• Usually taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after food, with a full glass of water
• Swallow the capsule whole; do not open, chew, or crush it
• Anti-nausea medicine may be advised before taking this, especially on the first dose
• Avoid direct contact with the capsule contents; caregivers should use gloves if handling broken capsules
• Regular blood tests are needed during treatment to monitor safety

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Contact your doctor for advice; do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one
• Do not restart or adjust the cycle on your own

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Dispose of unused or expired capsules safely as per your pharmacist's instructions, not in household trash

Temozolomide 20mg. — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Headache
• Tiredness and weakness
• Hair loss

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Skin rash or itching
• Difficulty sleeping
• Memory or concentration problems
• Taste changes
• Weight changes

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or blood in urine/stools (low blood counts)
• High fever, chills, or signs of infection
• Severe breathlessness or persistent cough
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (liver problems)
• Severe allergic reaction – swelling of face/lips/throat, difficulty breathing
• Seizures or sudden severe headache

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Temozolomide 20mg. — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is available only with a valid prescription from a cancer specialist in India, and should never be self-administered.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to temozolomide or its ingredients
• Have severe bone marrow suppression or very low blood counts
• Are pregnant or planning pregnancy, unless specifically advised by your oncologist

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have liver or kidney disease
• Have a history of low blood counts or bleeding disorders
• Are breastfeeding
• Are planning to have children in future (may affect fertility)
• Have any active infection

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Other chemotherapy or immunosuppressant medicines
• Live vaccines
• Valproic acid and certain anti-seizure medicines
• Medicines that affect bone marrow function

Always share a complete list of your medicines and supplements with your doctor.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I drink alcohol while taking this medicine?

It is best to avoid alcohol as it may increase side effects and stress on the liver; check with your doctor.

Will this medicine cause hair loss?

Yes, hair loss is a common side effect, but hair usually grows back after treatment ends.

Can I take this medicine with food?

• It is usually taken on an empty stomach for better absorption, but follow your doctor's specific instructions.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.