TEMODAR

Generic: TEMOZOLOMIDE

Prescription DrugORAL

Drug Information

Brand Name
TEMODAR
Generic Name
TEMOZOLOMIDE
Manufacturer
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Product Type
Prescription Drug
Route
ORAL
Application Number
046a9011-3911-4d3f-a15f-fbb56d5aad56

Pharmacological Class

Alkylating Drug [EPC]

Indications & 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 ) 1.1 Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma TEMODAR is indicated for the treatment of adults with newly diagnosed glioblastoma,...

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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 ) 1.1 Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma TEMODAR is indicated for the treatment of adults with newly diagnosed glioblastoma, concomitantly with radiotherapy and then as maintenance treatment. 1.2 Anaplastic Astrocytoma TEMODAR is indicated for the: adjuvant treatment of adults with newly diagnosed anaplastic astrocytoma; treatment of adults with refractory anaplastic astrocytoma.

Warnings

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...

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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 ) 5.1 Myelosuppression 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) ] . 5.2 Hepatotoxicity 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. 5.3 Pneumocystis 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. 5.4 Secondary 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. 5.5 Embryo-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 surface area. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with TEMODAR and for 6 months after the last dose. Because of potential risk of genotoxic effects on sperm, advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use condoms during treatment with TEMODAR and for 3 months after the last dose. Advise male patients not to donate semen during treatment with TEMODAR and for 3 months after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) ]. 5.6 Exposure to Opened Capsules Advise patients not to open, chew or dissolve the contents of the TEMODAR capsules. Swallow capsules whole with a glass of water. If a capsule becomes damaged, avoid contact of the powder contents with skin or mucous membranes. In case of powder contact, wash affected area with water immediately [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] . If TEMODAR capsules must be opened or the contents must be dissolved, this should be done by a professional trained in safe handling of hazardous drugs using appropriate equipment and safety procedures.

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 (โ‰ฅ20%) are: alopecia, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headache, constipation, anorexia, and convulsions. ( 6.1 ) The most com...

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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 (โ‰ฅ20%) are: alopecia, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headache, constipation, anorexia, and convulsions. ( 6.1 ) The most common Grade 3 to 4 hematologic laboratory abnormalities (โ‰ฅ10%) 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 . 6.1 Clinical 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 (โ‰ฅ20%) 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 (โ‰ฅ10%) 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 โ‰ฅ3 (%) All Grades (%) Grades โ‰ฅ3 (%) All Grades (%) Grade โ‰ฅ3 (%) Note: Grade 5 (fatal) adverse reactions are included in the Grade โ‰ฅ3 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 (โ‰ฅ20%) were nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, constipation, and convulsions. Tables 4 and 5 summarize the adverse reactions and hematological laboratory abnormalities in MK-7365-006. TABLE 4: Adverse Reactions (โ‰ฅ10%) in Patients with Refractory Anaplastic Astrocytoma Adverse Reactions TEMODAR N=158 All Reactions (%) Grades 3-4 (%) Gastrointestinal System Nausea 53 10 Vomiting 42 6 Constipation 33 1 Diarrhea 16 2 General Headache 41 6 Fatigue 34 4 Asthenia 13 6 Fever 13 2 Central and Peripheral Nervous System Convulsions 23 5 Hemiparesis 18 6 Dizziness 12 1 Coordination abnormal 11 1 Amnesia 10 4 Insomnia 10 0 Cardiovascular Edema peripheral 11 1 Resistance Mechanism Infection viral 11 0 Clinically relevant adverse reactions in <10% of patients are presented below: Central and Peripheral Nervous System: paresthesia, somnolence, paresis, urinary incontinence, ataxia, dysphasia, convulsions local, gait abnormal, confusion Endocrine: adrenal hypercorticism Gastrointestinal System: abdominal pain, anorexia General: back pain Metabolic: weight increase Musculoskeletal System: myalgia Psychiatric : anxiety, depression Reproductive Disorders: breast pain female Respiratory System: upper respiratory tract infection, pharyngitis, sinusitis, coughing Skin & Appendages: rash, pruritus Urinary System: urinary tract infection, micturition increased frequency Vision: diplopia, vision abnormal This term includes blurred vision; visual deficit; vision changes; and vision troubles. TABLE 5: Grade 3 to 4 Hematologic Laboratory Abnormalities That Worsened from Baseline in Patients with Refractory Anaplastic Astrocytoma TEMODAR Change from Grade 0 to 2 at baseline to Grade 3 or 4 during treatment. , Denominator range= 142, 158 (%) Decreased lymphocytes 55 Decreased platelets 19 Decreased neutrophils 14 Decreased leukocytes 11 Decreased hemoglobin 4 Hematological Toxicities for Advanced Gliomas In clinical trial experience with 110 to 111 females and 169 to 174 males (depending on measurements), females experienced higher rates of Grade 4 neutropenia (ANC <0.5 ร— 10 9 /L) and thrombocytopenia (<20 ร— 10 9 /L) than males in the first cycle of therapy (12% vs. 5% and 9% vs. 3%, respectively). 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 โ‰ค70 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. Injection Site Reactions Adverse reactions that were reported in 35 patients who received TEMODAR for injection were pain, irritation, pruritus, warmth, swelling, and erythema at infusion site; petechiae; and hematoma. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of TEMODAR. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to the drug exposure. Dermatologic : Toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Immune System : Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis. Erythema multiforme, which resolved after discontinuation of TEMODAR and, in some cases, recurred upon rechallenge. Hematopoietic : Prolonged pancytopenia, which may result in aplastic anemia and fatal outcomes. Hepatobiliary : Fatal and severe hepatotoxicity, elevation of liver enzymes, hyperbilirubinemia, cholestasis, and hepatitis. Infections : Serious opportunistic infections, including some cases with fatal outcomes, with bacterial, viral (primary and reactivated), fungal, and protozoan organisms. Pulmonary : Interstitial pneumonitis, pneumonitis, alveolitis, and pulmonary fibrosis. Endocrine : Diabetes insipidus.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before making any decisions about your medications. Data sourced from openFDA.