Temonat

Temonat 250 mg (Temozolomide) is classified as a pro-drug used in patients suffering from different types of brain cancers.  Ability to kill cancer cells (chemotherapeutic effects) depends on stopping the cell division. Unlike other agents, temozolomide is a type of drug (alkylating agent) which is highly active in the resting phase of the cell division. Temozolomide is known to induce its cancer-fighting activities once it metabolizes completely. Temozolomide destroys (Methylation of guanine) the genetic material (RNA or DNA) which assists in cell division leading to programmed cell death or self-destruction (apoptosis).

Scientifically, Temonat 250 mg (Temozolomide) is indicated for patients with, Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and Refractory Anaplastic astrocytoma, brain cancer types affecting the supportive tissue of the brain and spinal cord (glial cells) damaging the nerves and the adjacent structures in the brain.

Administration of Temonat 250 mg (Temozolomide):

Temonat 250 mg (Temozolomide) is given orally in varied dosages based on the height, weight and individual requirements like response time and tolerating capacity. Temozolomide is taken on an empty stomach to avoid the instances of nausea and vomiting. Your respective healthcare professional is designated to decide the necessary time-frames and amount of dosages. It is important to abide by their treatment decisions and take Temonat 250 mg (Temozolomide) exactly as he/she prescribes.

Most common dosing schedule:

Specifically, for patients with GBM, 75 mg/m² once daily is recommended initially for 42 days. Later, 150 mg/m² once-daily dosage is given for the first 5 days in a 28-day drug cycle. Whereas, in refractory anaplastic astrocytoma, 150 mg/m² is recommended for 5 successive days in a 28-day drug cycle.

Once swallowed, it is completely absorbed (bio-available) in approximately 1 hour and distributed throughout the region of cancer. Temozolomide gets metabolized in the liver with the help of different type of proteins. After its anti-cancer activities, finally, more than 50% of the drug is expelled from the body within 1 hour and 40 minutes predominantly through urine.

When should Temonat 250 mg (Temozolomide) be avoided or used cautiously?

• If patients get an allergic reaction causing skin diseases (Stevens-Johnsons syndrome, epidermal necrolysis, and urticaria)
• If patients suffer from decreased activity of bone marrow caused due to low count of blood cells (myelosuppression)
• If patients had occurrences of different types of blood cancer (myelodysplastic syndrome and myeloid leukemia)
• If patients have or had pneumonia, specifically in case of GBM
• If patients have problems in the kidney (hepatotoxicity)
• If patients are pregnant or planning to get pregnant
• If patients have abnormal levels in blood testing

Most common side-effects of Temonat 250 mg (Temozolomide):

Laboratory abnormalities:

• Allergic skin reactions
• Decrease in platelets (Thrombocytopenia)
• Fever with other signs of infection (Neutropenia)
• Low levels of neutrophil cells (Leukopenia)
• Low levels of white blood cells (lymphocytes) [Lymphopenia]

Side-effects:

• Problems in the stomach and intestines like constipation and diarrhea
• Loss of hair (Alopecia)
• Loss of appetite (Anorexia)
• Weakness in the entire right or left side of the body (Hemiparesis)
• Loss of body strength (Athenia)
• Abnormal co-ordination
• Memory loss (Amnesia)
• Trouble in sleeping (Insomnia)
• Involuntary muscle contractions (Convulsions)
• Tiredness (fatigue)
• Viral infection
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Fever
• Headache
• Skin rashes