When doctors diagnose you or a loved one with cancer, it's normal to feel a little scared, curious, and have a lot of questions about the treatment. Especially when we hear about chemotherapy , a type of cancer treatment called " chemotherapy ." Today we're talking about one such cancer treatment, specifically a drug called "Temozolomide," which is used to treat several types of brain cancer . Although this is a complex topic, we'll keep it simple and easy to understand.
What kind of medicine is Temozolomide?
Simply put, `Temozolomide` is a chemotherapy `(chemotherapy)` drug that is given to kill cancer cells . It comes in the form of capsules. It is mainly used to treat certain types of brain cancer. Sometimes your doctor may also prescribe this drug for other medical conditions. So if you have any questions, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about it. This drug is also known by the brand name `TEMODAR`.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, he or she will need to have a complete picture of your health. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
- Kidney disease : If you have any kidney disease, because the kidneys are involved in the process of removing this medicine from the body.
- Liver Disease: If you have liver disease, the liver is very important for the medications to work in the body.
- Allergies : Tell us if you have any allergies to Temozolomide, dacarbazine (DTIC), or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy : If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or have even the slightest suspicion that you are pregnant, you should definitely tell your doctor.
- Breastfeeding : If you are a mother who is breastfeeding a child, inform your doctor about this as well.
This information is important for the doctor to provide you with the safest treatment possible.
How should I use this medicine?
Your doctor will clearly explain how to use this medicine. It is very important to follow those instructions exactly.
- Swallow this capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, crush, or break open the capsule.
- You can take this with or without food. But the most important thing is to take it the same way every day . For example, if you took it before food on the first day, continue to take it before food. If you took it after food, continue to do so.
- Some people may feel nauseous after taking this medicine. Taking the medicine on an empty stomach may help reduce this feeling. Also, taking the medicine before going to bed at night can help reduce nausea.
- Take your medicine only when and as prescribed by your doctor. Never stop taking your medicine or change the dosage without your doctor's advice .
Important: If you suddenly think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) without delay. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, don't worry. Ask your doctor how to take your next dose. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. If you vomit after taking a dose, don't take another dose at the same time. Take your dose at the next scheduled time.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
We need to take a little extra care of our bodies while undergoing chemotherapy.
Common discomforts and infections
Chemotherapy drugs can affect not only cancer cells, but also healthy cells in our body. Therefore, it is normal to feel a little tired, weak, and uncomfortable during treatment. Tell your doctor about any side effects you experience. However, continue the course of treatment until your doctor tells you to stop.
Taking this medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections . This means that the number of white blood cells in your blood may decrease.
- Therefore, try to stay away from people who have symptoms such as fever, cold, cough, and sore throat .
- If you have a fever, feel like you've been bitten by a cold, or have diarrhea, don't self-medicate. Call your doctor immediately.
Possible skin reactions
Rarely, serious skin reactions may occur with this medicine. These may occur even weeks after starting the medicine. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop red or purple blisters on your skin along with fever or cold symptoms , if your skin is peeling , or if you develop red spots on your face, lips, neck, or armpits with swollen lymph nodes.
Bleeding and pregnancy
- This medicine can reduce the number of platelets in your body, which help your blood clot. This makes even a small bruise more likely to turn blue and cause bleeding . Tell your doctor if you notice any unusual blue bruises, small red spots on your skin, blood in your urine, or black stools.
- Pregnancy: This is very important.
- Women: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping .
- Men: Avoid fathering a child while you are taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping . If your partner becomes pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Also avoid donating sperm during this time.
- This medicine may affect fertility. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor about it openly.
| Type of side effect | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of low blood cell count | Signs of infection (fever, cough), unusual bleeding or bruising, extreme tiredness, fainting. |
| Serious skin reactions | Redness, blistering, peeling skin (even inside the mouth). |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Dark yellow/brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. |
| Seizures | A sudden seizure-like condition. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Digestive system problems | Constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea. |
| Hair loss | Temporary hair loss. |
| Headache | Frequent headaches. |
How should you store your medicine?
- Keep it out of the reach of children .
- Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius).
- Throw away expired medicine.
Cancer treatment is a big journey. It's normal to have questions, concerns, and fears along the way. The most important thing is to share everything that's on your mind with your doctor and family. You are not alone.
Take-Home Message
- Take Temozolomide capsules exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time and in the right dose.
- Never break, chew, or crush the capsules. Swallow them whole.
- If you notice a serious side effect such as fever, skin blisters, unusual bruising or bleeding, notify your doctor immediately .
- Avoid pregnancy completely during treatment and for as long as your doctor recommends (this applies to both women and men).
- Give your doctor a complete list of all other medications you are taking (including vitamins and traditional medicines).
- Don't hesitate to ask your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.
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