What is Temodar used for?

Temodar is used to treat a form of brain cancer called 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 diseasefrom 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 to take when on 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 doctor 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.

There are some things that you should tell your doctor when taking this medication:

Certain types of medications can interact with Temodar, tell your doctor what medications you are taking, 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 doctor if you are already pregnant or are breast-feeding. Men and women taking Temodar should use effective birth control.

What side effects can you expect when taking Temodar? (This is only a partial list of side effects reported with Temodar. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a complete list of possible side effects and drug interactions..)

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 doctor.