Temodar is used to treat a form of brain cancer (anaplastic astrocytoma) in adults whose disease progressed after radiation therapy and chemotherapy with nitrosoureas and procarbazine, drugs commonly used to treat brain cancers.

At this time, it is not known whether Temodar will improve symptoms, keep the disease  from getting worse, or help patients live longer.

Who should not take Temodar?

You should not take Temodar if you have had an allergic reaction to dacarbazine, another drug used to treat cancer, because you may have a similar reaction while taking Temodar.

General Precautions with Temodar: 

Read the patient information that comes with Temodar before you start taking it and every time you renew your prescription in case the information has been updated.

Temodar can cause a decrease in the body’s ability to produce bone marrow (myelosupression), which is needed to form several components of the blood. Your doctor will check you for this condition while you are being treated with Temodar.

If you have a history of severe liver or kidney problems your doctor will evaluate and decide if Temodar is right for you.

Because Temodar can cause birth defects, women should avoid becoming pregnant and stop breast-feeding a baby and nursing while taking Temodar. Tell your health care provider if you are already pregnant or are breast-feeding. Men and women taking Temodar should use effective birth control.

Keep this medicine away from children and pets.

What should I tell my doctor or health care provider?

Because certain other medications can interact with Temodar, review all medications that you are taking with your health care provider, including those that you take without a prescription.

Because Temodar can cause birth defects, women should avoid becoming pregnant and stop breast-feeding a baby and nursing while taking Temodar. Tell your health care provider if you are already pregnant or are breast-feeding. Men and women taking Temodar should use effective birth control.

What are some possible side effects of Temodar? (This is NOT a complete list of side effects reported with Temodar. Your health care provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)  

Some possible side effects are:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Constipation
• Low blood count

Other side effects include:

• Weakness
• Memory loss
• Drowsiness
• Back pain
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Itching
• Dizziness
• Swelling in arms or legs
• Tingling or burning feeling
• Stomach pain
• Loss of appetite
• Anxiety

For more detailed information about Temodar, ask your health care provider.