TEMODAR Temozolomide 2.5 mg/mL Injection, Powder, Lyophilized, For Solution
Other active recalls for Temozolomide (different manufacturers) — 1 · tap to view
🆔 Identity & classification
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🏷️ RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the Alkylating Drug class.
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🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
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🩺 Clinical
Temozolomide is used to treat certain types of brain tumors. Temozolomide is in a class of medications called alkylating agents. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in your body.
Read the full MedlinePlus article ↗- Temozolomide is a chemotherapy drug used to treat aggressive brain tumors in adults. It's most commonly used for glioblastoma — one of the most serious types of brain cancer — give...
- Food does affect how temozolomide is absorbed — a high-fat meal can reduce how much reaches your bloodstream and slow its absorption. That said, your prescriber will give you speci...
- Should I take this with food or on an empty stomach?
- The most common things people notice are nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, headache, constipation, and reduced appetite — these are expected and your team can help manage them....
Patient education
Supplement & herbal interactions
Some supplements/herbs that may interact with Temozolomide — tap one for details:
Temozolomide may be associated with lower levels of 1 nutrient — worth a chat with your pharmacist, not a cause for alarm.
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Ask a licensed pharmacist directly — free, answered by our team.
💊 What it looks like
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🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.
💡 Tap an ingredient (hover on desktop) to see what it is and why it’s used.
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4 mg / 1 mL
UNII QTT17582CB
A strong acid used to adjust and maintain the proper pH level in liquid medicines, ensuring stability and preventing breakdown of active ingredients.
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15 mg / 1 mL
UNII 3OWL53L36A
A natural sugar alcohol derived from seaweed or synthesized in the lab. It's used as a filler to add bulk, a sweetener in sugar-free formulas, and a disintegrant to help tablets break apart in the stomach.
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3 mg / 1 mL
UNII 6OZP39ZG8H
Polysorbate 80 is a synthetic emulsifier derived from sorbitol and oleic acid. It helps mix oil and water-based ingredients together in medications and improves how the product disperses in the body.
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4 mg / 1 mL
UNII 2ZD004190S
Threonine is an amino acid, a naturally occurring protein building block. It functions as a buffering agent and pH stabilizer in medicines to maintain proper acidity levels and product stability.
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5.9 mg / 1 mL
UNII B22547B95K
A salt derived from citric acid that helps maintain the proper acid-base balance in the medicine. It's used as a buffer to keep the product stable and at the right pH level.
5 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.
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ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.Inactive ingredient FAQ
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💲 Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per mL | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | Not in the retail survey — common for institutional, discontinued, or low-volume packs. | |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | $1,075.36 | $43,014.24 / 40 ml |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · quarterly | No Part D plan price is available for this NDC in our data. | |
| Medicare Part B allowsASP · J9328 | $10.408 / J9328 unit | — |
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🧾 Billing & reimbursement
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🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temodar 2.5 mg/mLthis 00085-1381-01 | Merck | 1 vial | — | — | FDA listed | — |
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⏳ Availability & generic status
We did not find an FDA-approved generic match for this exact strength, form and route.
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🗺️ Medicaid utilization & spend
📊 Medicare Part D spend CMS · PART D · 2025 (Q1-Q4)
🔬 Reported adverse events (FAERS)
Top reported reactions
Age at onset
Reporter sex
Serious outcomes
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📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00085-1381-01 You're viewing this | 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE in 1 CARTON (0085-1381-01) / 40 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE | 2009-02-27 | Active |
🧭 About this NDC listing & data coverage
What data is (and isn’t) available for this NDC — tap to expand
| NDC identity (package / product / labeler codes) | ✓ Available |
| Labeler | ✓ Available |
| Product & package description | ✓ Available |
| Marketing category & status | ✓ Available |
| Active ingredient / dosage form / route | ✓ Available |
| FDA label (SPL via DailyMed) | ✓ Available |
| Package photos | ✓ Available |
| Inactive ingredients (structured) | ✓ Available |
| NADAC pharmacy acquisition price (CMS) | — Not published for this NDC CMS publishes NADAC only for NDCs reported in its retail-pharmacy survey. |
| Orange Book / therapeutic-equivalence data | — Not published for this NDC Applies only to products approved under an NDA/ANDA; many listings are out of scope. |
| HCPCS J-code billing crosswalk | ✓ Available |
| Medicaid utilization (CMS SDUD) | ✓ Available |
Questions about this listing
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📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE TEMODAR is an alkylating drug indicated for the treatment of adults with: Newly diagnosed glioblastoma concomitantly with radiotherapy and then as maintenance treatment. ( 1.1 ) Anaplastic astrocytoma. ( 1.2 ) Adjuvant treatment of adults with newly diagnosed anaplastic astrocytoma. ( 1.2 ) Treatment of adults with refractory anaplastic astrocytoma. ( 1.2 )
1.1Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma TEMODAR is indicated for the treatment of adults with newly diagnosed glioblastoma, concomitantly with radiotherapy and then as maintenance treatment.
1.2Anaplastic Astrocytoma TEMODAR is indicated for the: adjuvant treatment of adults with newly diagnosed anaplastic astrocytoma; treatment of adults with refractory anaplastic astrocytoma.
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Administer either orally or intravenously. ( 2.4 ) Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma : 75 mg/m 2 once daily for 42 to 49 days concomitant with focal radiotherapy followed by initial maintenance dose of 150 mg/m 2 once daily for Days 1 to 5 of each 28-day cycle for 6 cycles. May increase maintenance dose to 200 mg/m 2 for Cycles 2 to 6 based on toxicity.
( 2.1 ) Provide Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis during concomitant phase and continue in patients who develop lymphopenia until resolution to Grade 1 or less. ( 2.1 ) Adjuvant Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Anaplastic Astrocytoma: Beginning 4 weeks after the end of radiotherapy, administer TEMODAR orally in a single dose on days 1-5 of a 28-day cycle for 12 cycles. The recommended dosage for Cycle 1 is 150 mg/m 2 per day and for Cycles 2 to 12 is 200 mg/m 2 if patient experienced no or minimal toxicity in Cycle 1.
( 2.2 ) Refractory Anaplastic Astrocytoma: Initial dose of 150 mg/m 2 once daily on Days 1 to 5 of each 28-day cycle. ( 2.2 )
2.1Monitoring to Inform Dosage and Administration Prior to dosing, withhold TEMODAR until patients have an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of 1.5 x 10 9 /L or greater and a platelet count of 100 x 10 9 /L or greater. For concomitant radiotherapy, obtain a complete blood count prior to initiation of treatment and weekly during treatment. For the 28-day treatment cycles, obtain a complete blood count prior to treatment on Day 1 and on Day 22 of each cycle.
Perform complete blood counts weekly until recovery if the ANC falls below 1.5 x 10 9 /L and the platelet count falls below 100 x 10 9 /L. For concomitant use with focal radiotherapy, obtain a complete blood count weekly and as clinically indicated.
2.2Recommended Dosage and Dosage Modifications for Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma Administer TEMODAR either orally or intravenously once daily for 42 to 49 consecutive days during the concomitant use phase with focal radiotherapy, and then once daily on Days 1 to 5 of each 28-day cycle for 6 cycles during the maintenance use phase. Provide Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis during the concomitant use phase and continue in patients who develop lymphopenia until resolution to Grade 1 or less [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] .
Concomitant Use Phase: The recommended dosage of TEMODAR is 75 mg/m 2 either orally or intravenously once daily for 42 to 49 days in combination with focal radiotherapy. Focal radiotherapy includes the tumor bed or resection site with a 2 to 3 cm margin. Other administration schedules have been used.
Obtain a complete blood count weekly. The recommended dosage modifications due to adverse reactions during concomitant use phase are provided in Table 1 . TABLE 1: Dosage Modifications Due to Adverse Reactions During Concomitant Use Phase Adverse Reaction Interruption Discontinuation Absolute Neutrophil Count Withhold TEMODAR if ANC is greater than or equal to 0.5 × 10 9 /L and less than 1.5 × 10 9 /L.
Discontinue TEMODAR if ANC is less than 0.5 × 10 9 /L. Resume TEMODAR at the same dose when ANC is greater than or equal to 1.5 × 10 9 /L. Platelet Count Withhold TEMODAR if platelet count is greater than or equal to 10 × 10 9 /L and less than 100 × 10 9 /L.
Discontinue TEMODAR if platelet count is less than 10 × 10 9 /L. Resume TEMODAR at the same dose when platelet count is greater than or equal to 100 × 10 9 /L. Non-hematological Adverse Reaction (except for alopecia, nausea, vomiting) Withhold TEMODAR if Grade 2 adverse reaction occurs.
Discontinue TEMODAR if Grade 3 or 4 adverse reaction occurs. Resume TEMODAR at the same dose when resolution to Grade 1 or less. Single Agent Maintenance Use Phase: Beginning 4 weeks after concomitant use phase completion, administer TEMODAR either orally or intravenously once daily on Days 1 to 5 of each 28-day cycle for 6 cycles.
The recommended dosage of TEMODAR in the maintenance use phase is: Cycle 1: 150 mg/m 2 per day on days 1 to 5. Cycles 2 to 6: May…
💊 Dosage Forms and Strengths ▾
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Capsules: – 5 mg: opaque white bodies with green caps. The capsule body is imprinted with two stripes, the dosage strength, and the Schering-Plough logo. The cap is imprinted with “TEMODAR.” – 20 mg: opaque white bodies with yellow caps.
The capsule body is imprinted with two stripes, the dosage strength, and the Schering-Plough logo. The cap is imprinted with “TEMODAR.” – 100 mg: opaque white bodies with pink caps. The capsule body is imprinted with two stripes, the dosage strength, and the Schering-Plough logo.
The cap is imprinted with “TEMODAR.” – 140 mg: opaque white bodies with blue caps. The capsule body is imprinted with two stripes, the dosage strength, and the Schering-Plough logo. The cap is imprinted with “TEMODAR.” – 180 mg: opaque white bodies with orange caps.
The capsule body is imprinted with two stripes, the dosage strength, and the Schering-Plough logo. The cap is imprinted with “TEMODAR.” – 250 mg: opaque white bodies with white caps. The capsule body is imprinted with two stripes, the dosage strength, and the Schering-Plough logo.
The cap is imprinted with “TEMODAR.” For injection: 100 mg white to light tan or light pink lyophilized powder for reconstitution in a single-dose vial. Capsules: 5 mg, 20 mg, 100 mg, 140 mg, 180 mg, and 250 mg. ( 3 ) For injection: 100 mg as a lyophilized powder in single-dose vial for reconstitution.
( 3 )
⛔ Contraindications ▾
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS TEMODAR is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions to: temozolomide or any other ingredients in TEMODAR; and dacarbazine, since both temozolomide and dacarbazine are metabolized to the same active metabolite 5-(3-methyltriazen-1-yl)-imidazole-4-carboxamide. Reactions to TEMODAR have included anaphylaxis [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]. History of serious hypersensitivity to temozolomide or any other ingredients in TEMODAR and dacarbazine.
( 4 )
⚠️ Warnings and Cautions ▾
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Myelosuppression : Monitor absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and platelet count prior to each cycle and during treatment. Geriatric patients and women have a higher risk of developing myelosuppression. ( 5.1 , 8.5 ) Hepatotoxicity : Fatal and severe hepatotoxicity have been reported.
Perform liver tests at baseline, midway through the first cycle, prior to each subsequent cycle, and approximately 2 to 4 weeks after the last dose of TEMODAR. ( 5.2 ) Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP) : Closely monitor all patients, particularly those receiving steroids, for the development of lymphopenia and PCP. ( 5.3 ) Secondary Malignancies: Myelodysplastic syndrome and secondary malignancies, including myeloid leukemia, have been observed.
( 5.4 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity : Can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception. Advise male patients with pregnant partners or female partners of reproductive potential to use condoms.
( 5.5 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) Exposure to Opened Capsules: TEMODAR capsules should not be opened, chewed, or dissolved but should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. ( 5.6 )
5.1Myelosuppression Myelosuppression, including pancytopenia, leukopenia, and anemia, some with fatal outcomes, have occurred with TEMODAR [see Adverse Reactions (6.1 , 6.2) ] . In MK-7365-006, myelosuppression usually occurred during the first few cycles of therapy and was generally not cumulative. The median nadirs occurred at 26 days for platelets (range: 21 to 40 days) and 28 days for neutrophils (range: 1 to 44 days).
Approximately 10% of patients required hospitalization, blood transfusion, or discontinuation of therapy due to myelosuppression. Geriatric patients and women have been shown in clinical trials to have a higher risk of developing myelosuppression. Obtain a complete blood count and monitor ANC and platelet counts before initiation of treatment and as clinically indicated during treatment.
When TEMODAR is used in combination with radiotherapy, obtain a complete blood count prior to initiation of treatment, weekly during treatment, and as clinically indicated [see Dosage and Administration (2.1 , 2.2 , 2.3) ]. For severe myelosuppression, withhold TEMODAR and then resume at same or reduced dose, or permanently discontinue, based on occurrence [see Dosage and Administration (2.1 , 2.2 , 2.3) ] .
5.2Hepatotoxicity Fatal and severe hepatotoxicity have been reported in patients receiving TEMODAR. Perform liver tests at baseline, midway through the first cycle, prior to each subsequent cycle, and approximately two to four weeks after the last dose of TEMODAR.
5.3Pneumocystis Pneumonia Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) has been reported in patients receiving TEMODAR. The risk of PCP is increased in patients receiving steroids or with longer treatment regimens of TEMODAR. For patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma, provide PCP prophylaxis for all patients during the concomitant phase.
Continue PCP prophylaxis in patients who experience lymphopenia, until resolution to Grade 1 or less [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] . Monitor all patients receiving TEMODAR for the development of lymphopenia and PCP.
5.4Secondary Malignancies The incidence of secondary malignancies is increased in patients treated with TEMODAR-containing regimens. Cases of myelodysplastic syndrome and secondary malignancies, including myeloid leukemia, have been observed following TEMODAR administration.
5.5Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, TEMODAR can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Adverse developmental outcomes have been reported in both pregnant patients and pregnant partners of male patients. Oral administration of temozolomide to rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis resulted in embryolethality and polymalformations at doses less than the maximum human dose based on body sur…
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Pneumocystis Pneumonia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Secondary Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) are: alopecia, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headache, constipation, anorexia, and convulsions. ( 6.1 ) The most common Grade 3 to 4 hematologic laboratory abnormalities (≥10%) in patients with anaplastic astrocytoma are: decreased lymphocytes, decreased platelets, decreased neutrophils, and decreased leukocytes.
( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC at 1-877-888-4231 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
6.1Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma The safety of TEMODAR was evaluated in study MK-7365-051 [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ]. Severe or life-threatening adverse reactions occurred in 49% of patients treated with TEMODAR; the most common were fatigue (13%), convulsions (6%), headache (5%), and thrombocytopenia (5%).
The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients treated with TEMODAR were alopecia, fatigue, nausea, anorexia, headache, constipation, and vomiting. Table 3 summarizes the adverse reactions in MK-7365-051. TABLE 3: Adverse Reactions (≥10%) in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma Adverse Reactions Concomitant Use Phase Maintenance Use Phase Radiation Therapy and TEMODAR N=288 One patient who was randomized to radiation therapy-only arm received radiation therapy and TEMODAR.
Radiation Therapy Alone N=285 TEMODAR N=224 All Grades (%) Grade ≥3 (%) All Grades (%) Grades ≥3 (%) All Grades (%) Grade ≥3 (%) Note: Grade 5 (fatal) adverse reactions are included in the Grade ≥3 column. Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Alopecia 69 0 63 0 55 0 Rash 19 1 15 0 13 1 General Fatigue 54 7 49 5 61 9 Anorexia 19 1 9 <1 27 1 Headache 19 2 17 4 23 4 Gastrointestinal System Nausea 36 1 16 <1 49 1 Vomiting 20 <1 6 <1 29 2 Constipation 18 1 6 0 22 0 Diarrhea 6 0 3 0 10 1 Central and Peripheral Nervous System Convulsions 6 3 7 3 11 3 Clinically relevant adverse reactions in <10% of patients are presented below: Central & Peripheral Nervous System: memory impairment, confusion Eye: v ision blurred Gastrointestinal System: stomatitis, abdominal pain General: weakness, dizziness Immune System: allergic reaction Injury: radiation injury not otherwise specified Musculoskeletal System: arthralgia Platelet, Bleeding, & Clotting: thrombocytopenia Psychiatric: insomnia Respiratory System: coughing, dyspnea Special Senses Other: taste perversion Skin & Subcutaneous Tissue: dry skin, pruritus, erythema When laboratory abnormalities and adverse reactions were combined, Grade 3 or Grade 4 neutrophil abnormalities including neutropenic reactions were observed in 8% of patients, and Grade 3 or Grade 4 platelet abnormalities including thrombocytopenic reactions were observed in 14% of patients.
Newly Diagnosed Anaplastic Astrocytoma The safety of TEMODAR for the adjuvant treatment of adults with newly diagnosed anaplastic astrocytoma was derived from published literature [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ]. The safety of TEMODAR for the adjuvant treatment of patients with newly diagnosed anaplastic astrocytoma was consistent with the known safety profile of TEMODAR. Refractory Anaplastic Astrocytoma The safety of TEMODAR was evaluated in study MK-7365-006 [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ].
The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, constipation, and convulsions. Tables 4 and 5 summarize the adverse reactio…
👥 Use in Specific Populations ▾
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Lactation: Advise not to breastfeed. ( 8.2 )
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) ] , TEMODAR can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Available postmarketing reports describe cases of spontaneous abortions and congenital malformations, including polymalformations with central nervous system, facial, cardiac, skeletal, and genitourinary system anomalies with exposure to TEMODAR during pregnancy. These cases report similar adverse developmental outcomes to those observed in animal studies.
Administration of TEMODAR to rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis caused numerous external, internal, and skeletal malformations at doses less than the maximum human dose based on body surface area (see Data ) . Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Data Animal Data Five consecutive days of oral administration of temozolomide at doses of 75 and 150 mg/m 2 (0.38 and 0.75 times the human dose of 200 mg/m 2 ) in rats and rabbits, respectively, during the period of organogenesis (Gestation Days 8-12) caused numerous malformations of the external and internal organs and skeleton in both species. In rabbits, temozolomide at the 150 mg/m 2 dose (0.75 times the human dose of 200 mg/m 2 ) caused embryolethality as indicated by increased resorptions.
8.2Lactation There are no data on the presence of TEMODAR or its metabolites in human milk, the effects on a breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions, including myelosuppression from temozolomide in the breastfed children, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with TEMODAR and for 1 week after the last dose.
8.3Females and Males of Reproductive Potential TEMODAR can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . Pregnancy Testing Verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating TEMODAR [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . Contraception Females Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with TEMODAR and for 6 months after the last dose.
Males Because of the potential for embryofetal toxicity and genotoxic effects on sperm cells, advise male patients with pregnant partners or female partners of reproductive potential to use condoms during treatment with TEMODAR and for 3 months after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) , Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ] . Advise male patients not to donate semen during treatment with TEMODAR and for 3 months after the last dose. Infertility TEMODAR may impair male fertility [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ] .
Limited data from male patients show changes in sperm parameters during treatment with TEMODAR; however, no information is available on the duration or reversibility of these changes.
8.4Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of TEMODAR have not been established in pediatric patients. Safety and effectiveness of TEMODAR capsules were assessed, but not established, in 2 open-label studies in pediatric patients aged 3 to 18 years. In one study, 29 patients with recurrent brain stem glioma and 34 patients with recurrent high-grade astrocytoma were enrolled.
In a second study conducted by the Children's Oncology Group (COG), 122 patients were enrolled, including patients with medulloblastoma/PNET (29), high grade astrocytoma (23), low grade astrocytoma (22), brain stem glioma (16), ependymoma (14), other CNS tumors (9), and non-CNS tumors (9). The adverse reaction profile in pediatric patients was similar to adults.
8.5 Geriatric Use In MK-7365-051, 15% of patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma w…
🤰 Pregnancy ▾
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) ] , TEMODAR can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Available postmarketing reports describe cases of spontaneous abortions and congenital malformations, including polymalformations with central nervous system, facial, cardiac, skeletal, and genitourinary system anomalies with exposure to TEMODAR during pregnancy. These cases report similar adverse developmental outcomes to those observed in animal studies.
Administration of TEMODAR to rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis caused numerous external, internal, and skeletal malformations at doses less than the maximum human dose based on body surface area (see Data ) . Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Data Animal Data Five consecutive days of oral administration of temozolomide at doses of 75 and 150 mg/m 2 (0.38 and 0.75 times the human dose of 200 mg/m 2 ) in rats and rabbits, respectively, during the period of organogenesis (Gestation Days 8-12) caused numerous malformations of the external and internal organs and skeleton in both species. In rabbits, temozolomide at the 150 mg/m 2 dose (0.75 times the human dose of 200 mg/m 2 ) caused embryolethality as indicated by increased resorptions.
🧒 Pediatric Use ▾
8.4Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of TEMODAR have not been established in pediatric patients. Safety and effectiveness of TEMODAR capsules were assessed, but not established, in 2 open-label studies in pediatric patients aged 3 to 18 years. In one study, 29 patients with recurrent brain stem glioma and 34 patients with recurrent high-grade astrocytoma were enrolled.
In a second study conducted by the Children's Oncology Group (COG), 122 patients were enrolled, including patients with medulloblastoma/PNET (29), high grade astrocytoma (23), low grade astrocytoma (22), brain stem glioma (16), ependymoma (14), other CNS tumors (9), and non-CNS tumors (9). The adverse reaction profile in pediatric patients was similar to adults.
🧓 Geriatric Use ▾
8.5Geriatric Use In MK-7365-051, 15% of patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma were 65 years and older. This study did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and older to determine differences in effectiveness from younger patients. No overall differences in safety were observed between patients ≥65 years and younger patients.
The CATNON trial did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and older to determine differences in safety or effectiveness when compared to younger patients. In MK-7365-006, 4% of patients with refractory anaplastic astrocytoma were 70 years and older. This study did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 70 years and older to determine differences in effectiveness from younger patients.
Patients 70 years and older had a higher incidence of Grade 4 neutropenia (25%) and Grade 4 thrombocytopenia (20%) in the first cycle of therapy than patients less than 70 years of age [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . In the entire safety database for which hematologic data exist (N=932), 7% (4/61) and 10% (6/63) of patients >70 years experienced Grade 4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia in the first cycle, respectively. For patients ≤70 years, 7% (62/871) and 6% (48/879) experienced Grade 4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia in the first cycle, respectively.
Pancytopenia, leukopenia, and anemia also occurred.
🆘 Overdosage ▾
10 OVERDOSAGE Dose-limiting toxicity was myelosuppression and was reported with any dose but is expected to be more severe at higher doses. An overdose of 2000 mg per day for 5 days was taken by one patient and the adverse reactions reported were pancytopenia, pyrexia, multi-organ failure, and death. There are reports of patients who have taken more than 5 days of treatment (up to 64 days), with adverse reactions reported including myelosuppression, which in some cases was severe and prolonged, and infections and resulted in death.
In the event of an overdose, monitor complete blood count and provide supportive measures as necessary.
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1Mechanism of Action Temozolomide is not directly active but undergoes rapid nonenzymatic conversion at physiologic pH to the reactive compound 5-(3-methyltriazen-1-yl)-imidazole-4-carboxamide (MTIC). The cytotoxicity of MTIC is thought to be primarily due to DNA alkylation, mainly at the O 6 and N 7 positions of guanine, which causes DNA double strand breaks and results in programmed cell death.
12.2Pharmacodynamics Temozolomide exposure-response relationships and the time course of pharmacodynamic response are unknown.
12.3Pharmacokinetics Following a single oral dose of 150 mg/m 2 , the mean C max is 7.5 mcg/mL for temozolomide and 282 ng/mL for MTIC. The mean AUC is 23.4 mcg∙hr/mL for temozolomide and 864 ng∙hr/mL for MTIC. Following a single 90-minute intravenous infusion of 150 mg/m 2 , the mean C max is 7.3 mcg/mL for temozolomide and 276 ng/mL for MTIC.
The mean AUC is 24.6 mcg∙hr/mL for temozolomide and 891 ng∙hr/mL for MTIC. Temozolomide exhibits linear kinetics over the therapeutic dosing range of 75 mg/m 2 /day to 250 mg/m 2 /day. Absorption The median T max is 1 hour.
Effect of Food The mean temozolomide C max and AUC decreased by 32% and 9%, respectively, and median T max increased by 2-fold (from 1 to 2.25 hours) when TEMODAR capsules were administered after a modified high-fat breakfast (587 calories comprised of 1 fried egg, 2 strips of bacon, 2 slices of toast, 2 pats of butter, and 8 oz whole milk). Distribution Temozolomide has a mean (CV%) apparent volume of distribution of
0.4L/kg (13%). The mean percent bound of drug-related total radioactivity is 15%. Elimination Clearance of temozolomide is approximately
5.5L/hr/m 2 and the mean elimination half-life is 1.8 hours. Metabolism Temozolomide is spontaneously hydrolyzed at physiologic pH to the active species, MTIC and to temozolomide acid metabolite. MTIC is further hydrolyzed to 5-amino-imidazole-4-carboxamide (AIC), which is known to be an intermediate in purine and nucleic acid biosynthesis, and to methylhydrazine, which is believed to be the active alkylating species.
Cytochrome P450 enzymes play a minor role in the metabolism of temozolomide and MTIC. Relative to the AUC of temozolomide, the exposure to MTIC and AIC is 2.4% and 23%, respectively. Excretion Approximately 38% of the administered temozolomide total radioactive dose is recovered over 7 days: 38% in urine and 0.8% in feces.
The majority of the recovered radioactivity in urine is unchanged temozolomide (6%), AIC (12%), temozolomide acid metabolite (2.3%), and unidentified polar metabolite(s) (17%). Specific Populations No clinically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of temozolomide were observed based on age (range: 19 to 78 years), gender, smoking status (smoker vs. non-smoker), creatinine clearance (CLcr) of 36 to 130 mL/min/m 2 , or mild to moderate hepatic impairment (Child Pugh class A and B). The pharmacokinetics of temozolomide has not been studied in patients with CLcr <36 mL/min/m 2 , end-stage renal disease on dialysis, or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C).
Drug Interaction Studies Clinical Studies and Model-Informed Approaches No clinically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of temozolomide or MTIC were observed when co-administered with ranitidine. No clinically significant differences in the clearance of temozolomide or MTIC were predicted when co-administered with the following drugs: valproic acid, dexamethasone, prochlorperazine, phenytoin, carbamazepine, ondansetron, histamine-2-receptor antagonists, or phenobarbital.
🧬 Mechanism of Action ▾
12.1Mechanism of Action Temozolomide is not directly active but undergoes rapid nonenzymatic conversion at physiologic pH to the reactive compound 5-(3-methyltriazen-1-yl)-imidazole-4-carboxamide (MTIC). The cytotoxicity of MTIC is thought to be primarily due to DNA alkylation, mainly at the O 6 and N 7 positions of guanine, which causes DNA double strand breaks and results in programmed cell death.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING TEMODAR is a hazardous drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures. 1 TEMODAR capsules TEMODAR capsules are supplied in child-resistant sachets containing the following capsule strengths: 5 mg: opaque white bodies with green caps.
The capsule body is imprinted with two stripes, the dosage strength, and the Schering-Plough logo. The cap is imprinted with “TEMODAR”. They are supplied as follows: 5-count – NDC 0085-3004-03 14-count – NDC 0085-3004-04 20 mg: opaque white bodies with yellow caps.
The capsule body is imprinted with two stripes, the dosage strength, and the Schering-Plough logo. The cap is imprinted with “TEMODAR”. They are supplied as follows: 5-count – NDC 0085-1519-03 14-count – NDC 0085-1519-04 100 mg: opaque white bodies with pink caps.
The capsule body is imprinted with two stripes, the dosage strength, and the Schering-Plough logo. The cap is imprinted with “TEMODAR”. They are supplied as follows: 5-count – NDC 0085-1366-03 14-count – NDC 0085-1366-04 140 mg: opaque white bodies with blue caps.
The capsule body is imprinted with two stripes, the dosage strength, and the Schering-Plough logo. The cap is imprinted with “TEMODAR”. They are supplied as follows: 5-count – NDC 0085-1425-03 14-count – NDC 0085-1425-04 180 mg: opaque white bodies with orange caps.
The capsule body is imprinted with two stripes, the dosage strength, and the Schering-Plough logo. The cap is imprinted with “TEMODAR”. They are supplied as follows: 5-count – NDC 0085-1430-03 14-count – NDC 0085-1430-04 250 mg: opaque white bodies with white caps.
The capsule body is imprinted with two stripes, the dosage strength, and the Schering-Plough logo. The cap is imprinted with “TEMODAR”. They are supplied as follows: 5-count – NDC 0085-1417-02 Store TEMODAR Capsules at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
TEMODAR for injection TEMODAR for injection is supplied in single-dose glass vials containing 100 mg temozolomide. The lyophilized powder is white to light tan or light pink. NDC 0085-1381-01 Store TEMODAR for injection refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).
📦 Storage and Handling ▾
Store TEMODAR Capsules at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Store TEMODAR for injection refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).
📋 Description ▾
11 DESCRIPTION Temozolomide is an alkylating drug. The chemical name of temozolomide is 3,4-dihydro-3-methyl-4-oxoimidazo[5,1-d]- as -tetrazine-8-carboxamide. The structural formula of temozolomide is: The material is a white to light tan or light pink powder with a molecular formula of C 6 H 6 N 6 O 2 and a molecular weight of 194.15.
The molecule is stable at acidic pH (<5) and labile at pH >7; hence TEMODAR can be administered orally and intravenously. The prodrug, temozolomide, is rapidly hydrolyzed to the active 5-(3-methyltriazen-1-yl) imidazole-4-carboxamide (MTIC) at neutral and alkaline pH values, with hydrolysis taking place even faster at alkaline pH. TEMODAR capsules TEMODAR (temozolomide) capsules for oral use contains either 5 mg, 20 mg, 100 mg, 140 mg, 180 mg, or 250 mg of temozolomide.
The inactive ingredients are as follows: TEMODAR 5 mg: lactose anhydrous (132.8 mg), colloidal silicon dioxide (0.2 mg), sodium starch glycolate (7.5 mg), tartaric acid (1.5 mg), and stearic acid (3 mg). TEMODAR 20 mg: lactose anhydrous (182.2 mg), colloidal silicon dioxide (0.2 mg), sodium starch glycolate (11 mg), tartaric acid (2.2 mg), and stearic acid (4.4 mg). TEMODAR 100 mg: lactose anhydrous (175.7 mg), colloidal silicon dioxide (0.3 mg), sodium starch glycolate (15 mg), tartaric acid (3 mg), and stearic acid (6 mg).
TEMODAR 140 mg: lactose anhydrous (246 mg), colloidal silicon dioxide (0.4 mg), sodium starch glycolate (21 mg), tartaric acid (4.2 mg), and stearic acid (8.4 mg). TEMODAR 180 mg: lactose anhydrous (316.3 mg), colloidal silicon dioxide (0.5 mg), sodium starch glycolate (27 mg), tartaric acid (5.4 mg), and stearic acid (10.8 mg). TEMODAR 250 mg: lactose anhydrous (154.3 mg), colloidal silicon dioxide (0.7 mg), sodium starch glycolate (22.5 mg), tartaric acid (9 mg), and stearic acid (13.5 mg).
The body of the capsules is made of gelatin and is opaque white. The cap is also made of gelatin, and the colors vary based on the dosage strength. The capsule body and cap are imprinted with pharmaceutical branding ink, which contains shellac, dehydrated alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, purified water, strong ammonia solution, potassium hydroxide, and ferric oxide.
TEMODAR 5 mg: The green cap contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, iron oxide yellow, sodium lauryl sulfate, and FD&C Blue #2. TEMODAR 20 mg: The yellow cap contains gelatin, sodium lauryl sulfate, and iron oxide yellow. TEMODAR 100 mg: The pink cap contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, and iron oxide red.
TEMODAR 140 mg: The blue cap contains gelatin, sodium lauryl sulfate, and FD&C Blue #2. TEMODAR 180 mg: The orange cap contains gelatin, iron oxide red, iron oxide yellow, titanium dioxide, and sodium lauryl sulfate. TEMODAR 250 mg: The white cap contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, and sodium lauryl sulfate.
TEMODAR for injection TEMODAR (temozolomide) for injection is for intravenous use. Each single-dose vial contains 100 mg of sterile and pyrogen-free lyophilized powder. The inactive ingredients are: mannitol (600 mg), L-threonine (160 mg), polysorbate 80 (120 mg), sodium citrate dihydrate (235 mg), and hydrochloric acid (160 mg).
Chemical Structure
💬 Information for Patients ▾
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling ( Patient Information ). Myelosuppression Inform patients that TEMODAR can cause low blood cell counts and the need for frequent monitoring of blood cell counts. Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately for bleeding, fever, or other signs of infection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ].
Hepatotoxicity Advise patients of the increased risk of hepatotoxicity and to contact their healthcare provider immediately for signs or symptoms of hepatotoxicity. Inform patients that they will have periodic liver enzyme tests during treatment and following the last dose of TEMODAR [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Pneumocystis Pneumonia Advise patients of the increased risk of Pneumocystis pneumonia and to contact their healthcare provider immediately for new or worsening pulmonary symptoms.
Inform patients that prophylaxis for Pneumocystis pneumonia may be needed [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) , Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Secondary Malignancies Advise patients of the increased risk of myelodysplastic syndrome and secondary malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]. Exposure to Opened Capsules Advise patient to not open, chew, or dissolve the capsules.
If capsules are accidentally opened or damaged, advise patients to take rigorous precautions with capsule contents to avoid inhalation or contact with the skin or mucous membranes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] . In case of powder contact, wash the affected area with water immediately [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] . Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus.
Advise females to inform their healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) , Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with TEMODAR and for 6 months after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3) ] . Advise male patients with pregnant partners or female partners of reproductive potential to use condoms during treatment with TEMODAR and for 3 months after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3) , Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ] .
Advise male patients not to donate semen during treatment with TEMODAR and for 3 months after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3) , Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ] . Lactation Advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with TEMODAR and for 1 week after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2) ] . Infertility Advise males of reproductive potential that TEMODAR may impair fertility [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3) , Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ] .