You will be taking Temodar (temozolomide) while you receive radiation therapy for 6 weeks (42 days).
A prescription has been sent to the pharmacy for your chemotherapy medicine, Temodar, and an anti-nausea medication, Zofran (ondansetron). It is likely that you will receive this medication prior to starting your radiation treatment, however both therapies will begin on the same day.
Instructions for taking the chemotherapy
- Temodar is taken in the evening before bedtime.
- On the first evening of radiation take the prescribed Zofran (ondansetron) 1 hour before bedtime.
- 1 hour after taking Zofran take the Temodar as prescribed.
- Remember that you will probably need to take more than 1 pill when taking Temodar. Sometimes the correct dose of Temodar for you requires adding together pills with different milligrams (mg) of drug. Make sure that the total dose you are taking matches the total dose on the Temodar instructions given to you at your visit.
- Taking Zofran and Temodar as described above should prevent any nausea. However, if you are experiencing nausea/vomiting, you can take 1 additional Zofran tablet every 6 to 8 hours as needed.
- Please, don't forget to wash your hands after handling Temodar.
- Even though radiation is 5 days per week, you will take the Temodar on the weekends as well.
Common side effects:
- Constipation - We recommend that you also begin using a daily stool softener. Additionally, drink plenty of water and engage in mild exercise, such as a walk. Please contact us if this becomes a problem.
- Fatigue - Gentle exercise is great, but so are naps. You may find that you will need to break up activities with frequent periods of rest.
We recommend that you avoid any dental work while on chemotherapy. If you must have your teeth cleaned, please do not have any deep cleaning and ask the dentist to only clean above the gum line.
Contact us if you develop any fever/sign of infection or unusual bruising bleeding.
Published April 2018
Stanford Health Care © 2018