Pharmacy acquisition cost fell 28% — $6.8835 → $4.9605 per ea (CMS NADAC)source
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Temozolomide
- Drug class
- Alkylating Drug
- Form
- Capsule
- Strength
- Temozolomide 100MG · Temozolomide 140MG · Temozolomide 180MG · Temozolomide 20MG · Temozolomide 250MG · Temozolomide 5MG
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Generic
- May treat
- glioblastoma, melanoma
- Manufacturer
- Chartwell
- What the pharmacy pays
- ~$148.82 for 30 — not your price
- FDA application
- ANDA206413
What is Temozolomide?
From the FDA label: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/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 temozolomide 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. Temozolomide capsules, USP: Each capsule for oral use contains either 5 mg, 20 mg, 100 mg, 140 mg, 180 mg, or 250 mg of temozolomide. The inactive ingredients for Temozolomide Capsules, USP are as follows: Temozolomide Capsules 5 mg: lactose anhydrous, colloidal silicon dioxide, sodium starch glycolate, tartaric acid, and stearic acid. Temozolomide Capsules 20 mg: lactose anhydrous, colloidal silicon dioxide, sodium starch glycolate, tartaric acid, and stearic acid. Temozolomide Capsules 100 mg: lactose anhydrous, colloidal silicon dioxide, sodium starch glycolate, tartaric acid, and stearic acid. Temozolomide Capsules 140 mg: lactose anhydrous, colloidal silicon dioxide, sodium starch glycolate, tartaric acid, and stearic acid.…
How to use
Administer orally. ( 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 temozolomide orally in a single dose on days 1 to 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 ) 2.1 Monitoring to Inform Dosage and Administration Prior to dosing, withhold temozolomide capsules 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…
Side effects
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 Rising Pharma Holdings, Inc. at 1-844-874-7464 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 temozolomide 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 temozolomide; the most common were fatigue (13%), convulsions…
Warnings
Important safety information
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 temozolomide. ( 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: Temozolomide 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 temozolomide [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 temozolomide 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 temozolomide 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 temozolomide. 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 temozolomide. 5.3 Pneumocystis Pneumonia Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) has been reported in patients receiving temozolomide. The risk of PCP is increased in patients receiving steroids or with longer treatment regimens of temozolomide. 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 temozolomide for the development of lymphopenia and PCP. 5.4 Secondary Malignancies The incidence of secondary malignancies is increased in patients treated with temozolomide-containing regimens. Cases of myelodysplastic syndrome and secondary malignancies, including myeloid leukemia, have been observed following temozolomide administration. 5.5 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, temozolomide 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 temozolomide 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 temozolomide and for 3 months after the last dose. Advise male patients not to donate semen during treatment with temozolomide 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 temozolomide 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 temozolomide 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.
Who should not take Temozolomide
Temozolomide is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions to: temozolomide or any other ingredients in temozolomide capsules; and dacarbazine, since both temozolomide and dacarbazine are metabolized to the same active metabolite 5-(3-methyltriazen-1-yl)-imidazole-4-carboxamide. Reactions to temozolomide have included anaphylaxis [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . History of serious hypersensitivity to temozolomide or any other ingredients in temozolomide capsules and dacarbazine. ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
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.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Storing Temozolomide, and how long it keeps
Quoted from this product’s own FDA label. Storage belongs to the product and its device, not to the drug in general — a pen and a tablet of the same medicine are kept completely differently.
- “Store TEMOZOLOMIDE Capsules, USP at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].”
- “Store Temozolomide capsules, USP at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].”
Drug class
How this class works, per Cyclophosphamide — StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf (NIH).
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
See how Temozolomide ranks — best-rated alkylating drug for:
Dosage forms
Capsule
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
Ask for the generic
Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →
Request a 90-day supply
Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.
Use copay cards
Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.
Compare alternatives
A same-class option may cost less. See alternatives →
Frequently asked questions
- What does Temozolomide treat?
- Temozolomide (Temozolomide) may be used to treat glioblastoma, melanoma, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How does Temozolomide work?
- Temozolomide is a alkylating drug. Alkylating chemotherapy drugs attach chemical groups to a cell's DNA, forming cross-links that lock the two DNA strands together. This damage stops the cell from copying its DNA and dividing, which triggers it to die; because they are not limited to one phase of the cell cycle, they can act on cells whether or not they are actively dividing.
- How much does Temozolomide cost?
- Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $148.82 for 30, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Temozolomide?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Temozolomide. To pay less, Temozolomide is already a generic — usually the lowest-cost version — so the main levers are comparing cash prices between pharmacies and using a pharmacy discount-card service. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Temozolomide?
- Temozolomide is marketed by Chartwell. You can see Chartwell's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Temozolomide a brand-name or generic drug?
- Temozolomide is a generic medication; its active ingredient is Temozolomide. Generics contain the same active ingredient as the brand-name original and are usually lower cost.
- Is Temozolomide available over the counter?
- No. Temozolomide is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Temozolomide come in?
- Temozolomide is currently marketed as capsule, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Temozolomide?
- Temozolomide is classified as alkylating drug, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Temozolomide FDA-registered?
- Temozolomide is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number ANDA206413. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Temozolomide safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Temozolomide. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Temozolomide?
- Temozolomide's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: 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 Warning… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to write one.
People also viewed
bendeka
Bendamustine Hydrochloride
gleostine
Lomustine
gliadel
Carmustine
vivimusta
Bendamustine Hydrochloride
evdi
Trabectedin
ivra
Melphalan Hydrochloride
Compare Temozolomide head-to-head
More alkylating drug drugs
Browse medications A–Z
Research products from A to Z, compare independent ratings, and find alternatives.
temozolomide
New