CNS cancers:

Indications for: TEMODAR

Newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme. Refractory anaplastic astrocytoma.

Adult Dosage:

See full labeling for monitoring and dose adjustment guidelines. IV: Infuse over 90 mins. Oral caps: Swallow whole with water; take on empty stomach at bedtime to reduce nausea, pretreat with antiemetics. Glioma: Concomitant phase, for newly diagnosed: 75mg/m2 daily for 42 days with focal radiotherapy; Maintenance phase, Cycle 1: 150mg/m2 once daily for 5 consecutive days, then 23 days off; for Cycles 2 through 6: increase to 200mg/m2 once daily for 5 consecutive days if tolerated, then 23 days off. Anaplastic astrocytoma: 150mg/m2 once daily for 5 consecutive days per 28-day treatment cycle; increase dose in subsequent cycles to 200mg/m2 for 5 consecutive days if tolerated; continue until disease progression, discontinue if minimum dose not tolerated.

Children Dosage:

Not established.

TEMODAR Contraindications:

Hypersensitivity to dacarbazine.

TEMODAR Warnings/Precautions:

Myelosuppression (higher risk in women or elderly, esp. in 1st cycle). Do not begin therapy unless hematology (ANC and platelets) is acceptable. Do CBC prior to treatment initiation and on Day 22 of each cycle or within 48 hours of that day; repeat weekly until recovery if ANC or platelets fall below acceptable limits. Perform LFTs at baseline, midway through Cycle 1, prior to each subsequent cycle, and 2–4wks after last dose. Screen for HBV infection prior to initiation. Monitor for signs of hepatitis or HBV reactivation during and several months after treatment; discontinue if occurs. Glioblastoma: monitor for and provide prophylaxis against P. carinii pneumonia (PCP). Severe renal or hepatic impairment. Avoid inhalation, and skin/mucous membrane contact, of capsule contents. Elderly. Pregnancy (Cat.D), nursing mothers: not recommended.

See Also:

TEMODAR Classification:

Alkylating agent.

TEMODAR Interactions:

Concomitant carbamazepine, phenytoin, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim may complicate myelosuppression assessment. May be potentiated by valproic acid.

Adverse Reactions:

Alopecia, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, constipation, headache, convulsions, rash, hemiparesis, diarrhea, asthenia, fever, dizziness, abnormal coordination, viral infection, amnesia, insomnia, edema; myelosuppression (may be dose-limiting; see full labeling), hepatotoxicity (may be fatal).

How Supplied:

Caps 5mg, 20mg, 100mg, 140mg 180mg—5, 14; 250mg—5; Single-use vials—1