Temozolomide Sandoz
temozolomide
Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
If you have any further questions, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.
What Temozolomide Sandoz is and what it is used for
What you need to know before you take Temozolomide Sandoz
How to take Temozolomide Sandoz
Possible side effects
How to store Temozolomide Sandoz
Contents of the pack and other information
Temozolomide Sandoz contains a medicine called temozolomide. This medicine is an antitumour agent.
Temozolomide Sandoz is used for the treatment of specific forms of brain tumours:
in adults with newly-diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme. Temozolomide Sandoz is first used together with radiotherapy (concomitant phase of treatment) and after that alone (monotherapy phase of treatment).
in children 3 years and older and adult patients with malignant glioma , such as glioblastoma multiforme or anaplastic astrocytoma. Temozolomide Sandoz is used in these tumours if they return or get worse after standard treatment.
if you are allergic to temozolomide or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
if you have had an allergic reaction to dacarbazine (an anticancer medicine sometimes called DTIC). Signs of allergic reaction include feeling itchy, breathlessness or wheezing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
if certain kinds of blood cells are severely reduced (myelosuppression), such as your white blood cell count and platelet count. These blood cells are important for fighting infection and for proper blood clotting. Your doctor will check your blood to make sure you have enough of these cells before you begin treatment.
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before taking Temozolomide Sandoz
as you should be observed closely for the development of a serious form of chest infection called Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP). If you are a newly-diagnosed patient (glioblastoma multiforme) you may be receiving Temozolomide Sandoz for 42 days in combination with radiotherapy. In this case, your doctor will also prescribe medicine to help you prevent this type of pneumonia (PCP).
if you have ever had or might now have a hepatitis B infection. This is because temozolomide could cause hepatitis B to become active again, which can be fatal in some cases. Patients will be carefully checked by their doctor for signs of this infection before treatment is started.
if you have low counts of red blood cells (anaemia), white blood cells and platelets, or blood clotting problems before starting the treatment, or if you develop them during treatment. Your doctor may decide to reduce the dose, interrupt, stop or change your treatment. You may also need other treatments. In some cases, it may be necessary to stop treatment with Temozolomide Sandoz. Your blood will be tested frequently during treatment to monitor the side effects of Temozolomide Sandoz on your blood cells.
as you may have a small risk of other changes in blood cells, including leukaemia.
if you have nausea (feeling sick in your stomach) and/or vomiting which are both very common side effects of Temozolomide Sandoz (see section 4), your doctor may prescribe you a medicine (an anti-emetic) to help prevent vomiting.
If you vomit frequently before or during treatment, ask your doctor about the best time to take Temozolomide Sandoz until the vomiting is under control. If you vomit after taking your dose, do not take a second dose on the same day.
if you develop fever or symptoms of an infection, contact your doctor immediately.
if you are older than 70 years of age. You might be more prone to infections, bruising or bleeding.
if you have liver or kidney problems. Your dose of Temozolomide Sandoz may need to be adjusted.
Do not give this medicine to children under the age of 3 years because it has not been studied. There is limited information in patients over 3 years of age who have taken Temozolomide Sandoz.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.
If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. This is because you must not be treated with Temozolomide Sandoz during pregnancy unless clearly indicated by your doctor.
Effective contraceptive precautions must be taken by female patients who are able to become pregnant during treatment with Temozolomide Sandoz, and for at least 6 months following completion of treatment.
You should stop breast-feeding while receiving treatment with Temozolomide Sandoz.
Temozolomide Sandoz may cause permanent infertility. Male patients should use effective contraception and not father a child for at least 3 months after stopping treatment. It is recommended to seek advice on conservation of sperm prior to treatment.
Temozolomide Sandoz may make you feel tired or sleepy. In this case, do not drive or use any tools or machines or cycle until you see how this medicine affects you (see section 4).
Temozolomide Sandoz contains lactose (a kind of sugar). If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per hard capsule, that is to say essentially ‘sodium-free’.
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Dosage and duration of treatment
Your doctor will work out your dose of Temozolomide Sandoz. This is based on your size (height and weight) and if you have a recurrent tumour and have had chemotherapy treatment in the past.
You may be given other medicines (anti-emetics) to take before and/or after taking Temozolomide Sandoz to prevent or control nausea and vomiting.
Patients with newly-diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme
If you are a newly-diagnosed patient, treatment will occur in two phases:
treatment together with radiotherapy (concomitant phase) first
followed by treatment with only Temozolomide Sandoz (monotherapy phase).
During the concomitant phase, your doctor will start Temozolomide Sandoz at a dose of 75 mg/m2 (usual dose).You will take this dose every day for 42 days (up to 49 days) in combination with radiotherapy. The Temozolomide Sandoz dose may be delayed or stopped, depending on your blood counts and how you tolerate your medicine during the concomitant phase.
Once the radiotherapy is completed, you will interrupt treatment for 4 weeks. This will give your body a chance to recover.
Then, you will start the monotherapy phase.
During the monotherapy phase, the dose and way you take Temozolomide Sandoz will be different. Your doctor will work out your exact dose. There may be up to 6 treatment periods (cycles). Each one lasts 28 days. You will take your new dose of Temozolomide Sandoz alone once daily for the first
5 days (“dosing days”) of each cycle. The first dose will be 150 mg/m2. Then you will have 23 days without Temozolomide Sandoz. This adds up to a 28-day treatment cycle.
After Day 28, the next cycle will begin. You will again take Temozolomide Sandoz once daily for
5 days followed by 23 days without Temozolomide Sandoz. The Temozolomide Sandoz dose may be adjusted, delayed or stopped depending on your blood counts and how you tolerate your medicine during each treatment cycle.
Patients with tumours that have returned or worsened (malignant glioma, such as glioblastoma multiforme or anaplastic astrocytoma) taking Temozolomide Sandoz only
A treatment cycle with Temozolomide Sandoz lasts 28 days.
You will take Temozolomide Sandoz alone once daily for the first 5 days. This daily dose depends on whether or not you have received chemotherapy before.
If you have not been previously treated with chemotherapy, your first dose of Temozolomide Sandoz will be 200 mg/m2 once daily for the first 5 days. If you have been previously treated with chemotherapy, your first dose of Temozolomide Sandoz will be 150 mg/m2 once daily for the first
5 days.
Then, you will have 23 days without Temozolomide Sandoz. This adds up to a 28-day treatment cycle.
After Day 28, the next cycle will begin. You will again receive Temozolomide Sandoz once daily for 5 days, followed by 23 days without Temozolomide Sandoz.
Before each new treatment cycle, your blood will be tested to see if the Temozolomide dose needs to be adjusted. Depending on your blood test results, your doctor may adjust your dose for the next cycle.
How to take Temozolomide Sandoz
Take your prescribed dose of Temozolomide Sandoz once a day, preferably at the same time each day.
Take the capsules on an empty stomach; for example, at least one hour before you plan to eat breakfast. Swallow the capsule(s) whole with a glass of water. Do not open, crush or chew the capsules. If a capsule is damaged, avoid contact of the powder with your skin, eyes or nose. If you accidentally get some in your eyes or nose, flush the area with water.
Depending on the prescribed dose, you may have to take more than one capsule together, eventually with different strengths (content of active substance, in mg). The colour of the capsule cap is different for each strength (see in the table below).
Strength | Colour of the cap |
Temozolomide Sandoz 5 mg hard capsules | green |
Temozolomide Sandoz 20 mg hard capsules | yellow |
Temozolomide Sandoz 100 mg hard capsules | pink |
Temozolomide Sandoz 140 mg hard capsules | blue |
Temozolomide Sandoz 180 mg hard capsules | maroon |
Temozolomide Sandoz 250 mg hard capsules | white |
You should make sure you fully understand and remember the following:
how many capsules you need to take every dosing day. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to write it down (including the colour).
which days are your dosing days.
Review the dose with your doctor each time you start a new cycle, since it may be different from the last cycle.
Always take Temozolomide Sandoz exactly as your doctor has told you. It is very important to check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Errors in how you take this medicine may have serious health consequences.
If you accidentally take more Temozolomide Sandoz capsules than you were told to, contact your doctor, pharmacist or nurse immediately.
Take the missed dose as soon as possible during the same day. If a full day has gone by, check with your doctor. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose, unless your doctor tells you to do so.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Contact your doctor immediately if you have any of the following:
a severe allergic (hypersensitive) reaction (hives, wheezing or other breathing difficulty),
uncontrolled bleeding,
seizures (convulsions),
fever,
chills
severe headache that does not go away.
Temozolomide Sandoz treatment can cause a reduction in certain kinds of blood cells. This may cause you to have increased bruising or bleeding, anaemia (a shortage of red blood cells), fever, and reduced resistance to infections. The reduction in blood cell counts is usually short-lived. In some cases, it may be prolonged and may lead to a very severe form of anaemia (aplastic anaemia). Your doctor will monitor your blood regularly for any changes, and will decide if any specific treatment is needed. In some cases, your Temozolomide Sandoz dose will be reduced or treatment stopped.
Other side effects that have been reported are listed below:
loss of appetite, difficulty speaking,headache
•
vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation
rash, hair loss
tiredness.
infections, oral infections, wound infection
reduced number of blood cells (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia)
allergic reaction
increased blood sugar
memory impairment, depression, anxiety, confusion, inability to fall asleep or stay asleep
impaired coordination and balance
difficulty concentrating, change in mental status or alertness, forgetfulness
dizziness, impaired sensations, tingling sensation, shaking, abnormal taste
partial loss of vision, abnormal vision, double vision, dry or painful eyes
deafness, ringing in the ears, earache
blood clot in lung or legs, high blood pressure
pneumonia, shortness of breath, bronchitis, cough, inflammation of your sinuses
stomach or abdominal pain, upset stomach/heartburn, difficulty swallowing
dry skin, itching
muscle damage, muscle weakness, muscle aches and pain
painful joint, back pain
frequent urination, difficulty withholding your urine
fever, flu-like symptoms, pain, feeling unwell, a cold or the flu
fluid retention, swollen legs
liver enzyme elevations
loss of weight, weight gain
radiation injury
brain infections (meningoencephalitis herpetic) including fatal cases
new or reactivated cytomegalovirus infections
reactivated hepatitis B virus infections
secondary cancers including leukaemia
reduced blood cell counts (pancytopenia, anaemia, leukopenia)
red spots under the skin
diabetes insipidus (symptoms include increased urination and feeling thirsty), low potassium level in the blood
mood swings, hallucination
partial paralysis, change in your sense of smell
hearing impairment, infection of the middle ear
palpitations (when you can feel your heart beat), hot flushes
swollen stomach, difficulty controlling your bowel movements, haemorrhoids, dry mouth
hepatitis and injury to the liver (including fatal liver failure), cholestasis, increased bilirubin
blisters on body or in mouth, skin peeling, skin eruption, painful reddening of the skin, severe rash with skin swelling (including palms and soles)
increased sensitivity to sunlight, urticaria (hives), increased sweating, change in skin colour
difficulty in urinating
vaginal bleeding, vaginal irritation, absent or heavy menstrual periods, breast pain, sexual impotence
shivering, face swelling, discolouration of the tongue, thirst, tooth disorder
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system listed in Appendix V. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard. Accidental ingestion can be lethal for children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label and carton after “EXP”. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Bottle
Do not store above 25°C Store in the original package.
Keep the bottles tightly closed in order to protect from moisture.
Sachet
Do not store above 25°C
Tell your pharmacist if you notice any change in the appearance of the capsules.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
The active substance is temozolomide.
Temozolomide Sandoz 5 mg hard capsules
Each capsule contains 5 mg temozolomide.
Temozolomide Sandoz 20 mg hard capsules
Each capsule contains 20 mg temozolomide.
Temozolomide Sandoz 100 mg hard capsules
Each capsule contains 100 mg temozolomide.
Temozolomide Sandoz 140 mg hard capsules
Each capsule contains 140 mg temozolomide.
Temozolomide Sandoz 180 mg hard capsules
Each capsule contains 180 mg temozolomide.
Temozolomide Sandoz 250 mg hard capsules
Each capsule contains 250 mg temozolomide.
The other ingredients of the capsule are
Temozolomide Sandoz 5 mg hard capsules
Capsule content: anhydrous lactose, colloidal anhydrous silica, sodium starch glycolate type A, tartaric acid, stearic acid.
Capsule shell: gelatine, titanium dioxide (E 171), yellow iron oxide (E 172), indigo carmine (E 132), water.
Printing ink: shellac, black iron oxide (E 172), potassium hydroxide.
Temozolomide Sandoz 20 mg hard capsules
Capsule content: anhydrous lactose, colloidal anhydrous silica, sodium starch glycolate type A, tartaric acid, stearic acid.
Capsule shell: gelatine, titanium dioxide (E 171), yellow iron oxide (E 172), water.
Printing ink: shellac, black iron oxide (E 172), potassium hydroxide.
Temozolomide Sandoz 100 mg hard capsules
Capsule content: anhydrous lactose, colloidal anhydrous silica, sodium starch glycolate type A, tartaric acid, stearic acid.
Capsule shell: gelatine, titanium dioxide (E 171), red iron oxide (E 172), water.
Printing ink: shellac, black iron oxide (E 172), potassium hydroxide.
Temozolomide Sandoz 140 mg hard capsules
Capsule content: anhydrous lactose, colloidal anhydrous silica, sodium starch glycolate type A, tartaric acid, stearic acid.
Capsule shell: gelatine, titanium dioxide (E 171), indigo carmine (E 132), water.
Printing ink: shellac, black iron oxide (E 172), potassium hydroxide.
Temozolomide Sandoz 180 mg hard capsules
Capsule content: anhydrous lactose, colloidal anhydrous silica, sodium starch glycolate type A, tartaric acid, stearic acid.
Capsule shell: gelatine, titanium dioxide (E 171), yellow iron oxide (E 172), red iron oxide (E 172), water.
Printing ink: shellac, black iron oxide (E 172), potassium hydroxide.
Temozolomide Sandoz 250 mg hard capsules
Capsule content: anhydrous lactose, colloidal anhydrous silica, sodium starch glycolate type A, tartaric acid, stearic acid.
Capsule shell: gelatine, titanium dioxide (E 171), water.
Printing ink: contains shellac, black iron oxide (E 172), potassium hydroxide.
Bottle
The hard capsules are dispensed in amber glass bottles (Type 3 glass) with polypropylene child- resistant closures. Each bottle contains either 5 or 20 capsules. The bottles also contain a desiccant pouch. Keep the desiccant pouch in the bottle. Do not swallow it.
Sachet
Each hard capsule (capsule) is individually packed in a sachet. Each carton contains 5 or 20 hard capsules.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Temozolomide Sandoz 5 mg hard capsules
The hard capsules have a white coloured body, a green coloured cap, and are imprinted with black ink. The cap is imprinted with “TMZ” and the body is imprinted with “5”.
Each capsule is approximately 15.8 mm in length.
Temozolomide Sandoz 20 mg hard capsules
The hard capsules have a white coloured body, a yellow coloured cap, and are imprinted with black ink. The cap is imprinted with “TMZ” and the body is imprinted with “20”.
Each capsule is approximately 11.4 mm in length.
Temozolomide Sandoz 100 mg hard capsules
The hard capsules have a white coloured body, a pink coloured cap, and are imprinted with black ink. The cap is imprinted with “TMZ” and the body is imprinted with “100”.
Each capsule is approximately 15.8 mm in length.
Temozolomide Sandoz 140 mg hard capsules
The hard capsules have a white coloured body, a transparent blue coloured cap, and are imprinted with black ink. The cap is imprinted with “TMZ” and the body is imprinted with “140”.
Each capsule is approximately 19.3 mm in length.
Temozolomide Sandoz 180 mg hard capsules
The hard capsules have a white coloured body, a maroon coloured cap, and are imprinted with black ink. The cap is imprinted with “TMZ” and the body is imprinted with “180”.
Each capsule is approximately 19.3 mm in length.
Temozolomide Sandoz 250 mg hard capsules
The hard capsules have a white coloured body, a white coloured cap, and are imprinted with black ink. The cap is imprinted with “TMZ” and the body is imprinted with “250”.
Each capsule is approximately 21.4 mm in length.
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