Medicine guide

Temozolomide Teva

  • Prescription status not stated
  • Cancer treatments and immune-system medicines
Active substance
Temozolomide
Made by
Teva B.V.

Quoted from the official source. Not yet reviewed by Mediclarum — the leaflet in your pack is authoritative.

What it is for

Temozolomide Teva is used for the treatment of specific forms of brain tumours:

  • Temozolomide Teva contains a medicine called temozolomide. This medicine is an antitumour agent.
  • in adults with newly-diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme. Temozolomide Teva 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 Teva is used in these tumours if they return or get worse after standard treatment.

From the package leaflet in EMA’s product information, p. 48 · 2024-05-16

How it works

From the US prescribing label for the same active substance (Temozolomide). It describes the substance, not this exact product.

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 alkylation of DNA.

Half-life1.8 h
Mostly cleared after≈ 9 hfive half-lives — our arithmetic

Quoted from the prescribing label, sections “Mechanism of Action” and “Pharmacokinetics”. DailyMed · 2026-08-11

Do not take it if

  • 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.

From the package leaflet in EMA’s product information, p. 48.

How to take it

These directions are for this exact strength and form. Another one is different.

  • 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 Teva. 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 Teva 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 Teva (monotherapy phase).
  • During the concomitant phase, your doctor will start Temozolomide Teva at a dose of 75 mg/m (usual dose). You will take this dose every day for 42 days (up to 49 days) in combination with radiotherapy.
  • The Temozolomide Teva 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 Teva 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 Teva alone once daily for the first 5 days (“dosing days”) of each cycle. The first dose will be 150 mg/m . Then you will have 23 days without Temozolomide Teva. This adds up to a 28-day treatment cycle.
  • After Day 28, the next cycle will begin. You will again take Temozolomide Teva once daily for 5 days followed by 23 days without Temozolomide Teva. The Temozolomide Teva 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 Teva only A treatment cycle with Temozolomide Teva lasts 28 days.
  • You will take Temozolomide Teva 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 Teva will be 200 mg/m once daily for the first 5 days. If you have been previously treated with chemotherapy, your first dose of Temozolomide Teva will be 150 mg/m once daily for the first 5 days.
  • Then, you will have 23 days without Temozolomide Teva. This adds up to a 28-day treatment cycle.
  • After Day 28, the next cycle will begin. You will again receive Temozolomide Teva once daily for 5 days, followed by 23 days without Temozolomide Teva.
  • Before each new treatment cycle, your blood will be tested to see if the Temozolomide Teva 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 Teva Take your prescribed dose of Temozolomide Teva 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 and marking of the capsule is different for each strength (see table below).
  • Strength Colour/marking Temozolomide Teva 5 mg two stripes in green ink on the cap and “T 5 mg” in green ink on the body Temozolomide Teva 20 mg two stripes in orange ink on the cap and “T 20 mg” in orange ink on the body Temozolomide Teva 100 mg two stripes in pink ink on the cap and “T 100 mg” in pink ink on the body Temozolomide Teva 140 mg two stripes in blue ink on the cap and “T 140 mg” in blue ink on the body Temozolomide Teva 180 mg two stripes in red ink on the cap and “T 180 mg” in red ink on the body Temozolomide Teva 250 mg two stripes in black ink on the cap and “T 250 mg” in black ink on the body 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 Teva 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 take more Temozolomide Teva than you should If you accidentally take more Temozolomide Teva capsules than you were told to, contact your doctor, pharmacist or nurse immediately.
  • If you forget to take Temozolomide Teva 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.

From the package leaflet in EMA’s product information, p. 50–52.

Warnings and precautions

  • Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before taking Temozolomide Teva.
  • 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 Teva 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 Teva 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 Teva. Your blood will be tested frequently during treatment to monitor the side effects of Temozolomide Teva 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 very common side effects of Temozolomide Teva (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 Teva 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 Teva may need to be adjusted.
  • Children and adolescents 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 Teva.

From the package leaflet in EMA’s product information, p. 49.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • 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 Teva 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 Teva, and for at least 6 months following completion of treatment..
  • You should stop breast-feeding while receiving treatment with Temozolomide Teva.
  • Male fertility Temozolomide Teva 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.

From the package leaflet in EMA’s product information, p. 49.

Other medicines

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.

From the package leaflet in EMA’s product information, p. 49.

Driving and using machines

  • Temozolomide Teva 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 Teva contains lactose If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.
  • Temozolomide Teva contains sodium This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per capsule, that is to say essentially ‘sodium-free’.
  • Temozolomide Teva 20 mg hard capsules contains sunset yellow FCF (E110)
  • The excipient sunset yellow FCF (E110) is also included in the capsule shell of Temozolomide Teva 20 mg hard capsules and may cause allergic reactions.

From the package leaflet in EMA’s product information, p. 49–50.

Side effects

  • 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 Teva 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 Teva dose will be reduced or treatment stopped.
  • Other side effects that have been reported are listed below:
  • Very Common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people) are:
  • loss of appetite, difficulty speaking, headache
  • vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation
  • rash, hair loss
  • tiredness Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) are:
  • infections, oral infections
  • reduced number of blood cells (neutropenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia)
  • 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 sensations, shaking, abnormal taste
  • partial loss of vision, abnormal vision, double vision, 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 Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) are:
  • brain infections (meningoencephalitis herpetic) including fatal cases
  • wound infections
  • 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
  • dry eyes Reporting of side effects 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.

From the package leaflet in EMA’s product information, p. 52–53.

How to store it

  • 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.
  • 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.

From the package leaflet in EMA’s product information, p. 53.

Other ingredients

Relevant if you react to a dye, a preservative, lactose or gluten.

  • The other ingredients are:
  • capsule content:
  • lactose, colloidal anhydrous silica, sodium starch glycolate type A, tartaric acid, stearic acid (see section 2 “Temozolomide Teva contains lactose”).
  • capsule shell:

From the package leaflet in EMA’s product information, p. 54.

Same active substance, strength and form in other countries

Matched on active substance, strength and kind of form only. This is not a statement that the products are equivalent or interchangeable: other ingredients, release and approved uses can differ — ask a pharmacist before swapping.

Medicine passport: one printable page to show a pharmacist abroad

United StatesNo exact match for this strength and form

SpainNo exact match for this strength and form

CanadaNo exact match for this strength and form

NetherlandsNo exact match for this strength and form

SwitzerlandNo exact match for this strength and form

Details

Made byTeva B.V.
Active substanceTemozolomide
Used inCancer treatments and immune-system medicines
ClassificationL01AX03 · Cancer treatments and immune-system medicines
GenericYes — a generic medicine, according to the register
Authorised on2010-01-28
Last updated by the regulator2024-05-16
EMA product numberEMEA/H/C/001126

Source: European Medicines Agency — medicine data · 2026-09-30 · not reviewed by a clinician

Source: European Medicines Agency (EMA). Product information as published by EMA. Reuse terms: EMA legal notice (reproduction authorised).

Same active substance

These contain the same substance. That does not mean one can replace another — ask a pharmacist.