Temozolomide with Radiotherapy

How to take Temozolomide chemotherapy on radiotherapy treatment days (Monday to Friday)

• Take your anti sickness medication 1 hour before your radiotherapy treatment is due.
• Avoid food for 2 hours prior to taking your Temozolomide and for 1 hour after.
• Please report to radiotherapy reception. You will be advised by a member of staff when to take your Temozolomide capsules.
• When you have been advised to do so, take your Temozolomide capsules with a glass of water (do not crush, open or chew the capsules, they must be taken whole)
• Then wait for 1 hour before taking any other medication, food or drink (small sips of water if needed in this time is acceptable).

If you vomit within 2 hours of taking the chemotherapy, please call the Hotline (0151 169 5555) immediately.

How to take Temozolomide chemotherapy on days with NO radiotherapy treatment (Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays)

• Temozolomide should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach. (Avoid food for 2 hours prior to taking your Temozolomide and for 1 hour after).
• First, take your anti sickness tablet then wait for 1 hour.
• Next, take your Temozolomide capsules with a glass of water (do not crush, open or chew the capsules, they must be taken whole).
• Then wait for 1 hour before taking any other medication, food or drink (small sips of water if needed in this time is acceptable).

If you vomit within 2 hours of taking the chemotherapy, please call the Hotline (0151 169 5555) immediately.

Antibiotics – Co-trimoxazole 960mg

If you have been prescribed antibiotics to take during this course of treatment, this is to prevent an infection. These should be taken every Monday, Wednesday and Friday throughout the course of your treatment. If you notice a rash on your body whilst taking this medication, STOP taking it immediately and call the Hotline. Your team will explain to you if antibiotics are needed or not.

Symptoms

If you have any of the symptoms listed below, or if you are worried about something that is not listed here, please call the Hotline immediately. If you need urgent medical assistance, please call 999.

• Feeling generally unwell 
• High temperature (greater than 37.5) 
• Low temperature (lower than 36.0) 
• Aching muscles/joints
• Cough
• Vomiting
• Rash 
• Headaches
• Constipation or diarrhoea 
• Reduced oral intake
• Bleeding or bruising – any abnormal bruising or bleeding from any part of your body, or if you cut yourself and it does not stop bleeding.

Check your temperature twice every day with an ear thermometer. If you need to take paracetamol or ibuprofen you should check your temperature before you take these.