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HomeDrugsTemozolomide (Temodar) Prices

temozolomide

Generic Temodar

Used for Brain Tumor

Temozolomide (Temodar) treats adults with certain types of brain cancer, like glioblastoma (GBM). It’s a type of chemotherapy called an alkylating agent. Temozolomide (Temodar) usually comes as a capsule you swallow whole once a day. But it’s also available as an injection that’s given through the vein by a healthcare professional at a medical office or infusion clinic. Temozolomide (Temodar) can cause side effects like tiredness, nausea, and hair loss. It also has risks like low blood cell counts and liver problems.

Reviewed by:

Allison Baxley, PharmD, BCOP

Cydnee Ng, PharmD

Last reviewed on June 10, 2025

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Interactions Cost Contraindications Alternatives Latest news Images Prices Medicare

What is Temozolomide (Temodar)?

What is Temozolomide (Temodar) used for?

Newly-diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM), first with radiation and then by itself as maintenance therapy
Newly-diagnosed or refractory anaplastic astrocytoma (grade 3 astrocytoma)

How Temozolomide (Temodar) works

Temozolomide (Temodar) is a type of traditional chemotherapy. It’s known as an alkylating agent.

Once temozolomide (Temodar) gets inside a cancer cell, it attaches to the cell’s DNA. This damages the DNA, which usually causes the cancer cell to die. As a result, the cancer cell can’t make copies of itself so the cancer can’t grow.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsTemodar

Drug ClassAlkylating agent

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusLower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

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Avg retail price

$1618.89(save 95.37%)

GoodRx discount

$74.93

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What are the side effects of Temozolomide (Temodar)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Tiredness (61%)
Hair loss (55%)
Nausea (49%)
Vomiting (29%)
Low appetite (27%)
Headache (23%)
Constipation (22%)

Other Side Effects

Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Rash
Dry skin
Cough
Shortness of breath
Blurry vision
Joint pain
Weakness
Dizziness
Trouble sleeping
Low white blood cell count
Low platelets
Injection site reactions, like pain and irritation (with the IV infusion only)

Note: Side effects listed for temozolomide (Temodar) by itself as maintenance therapy for glioblastoma. Side effects might differ when taken with radiation or for people with anaplastic astrocytoma.

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Serious lung infection: fever, cough, trouble breathing, weakness
Serious liver problems: belly pain, yellow skin, yellow eyes, swollen belly
Low platelets: unexplained bruising, nosebleeds
Serious infection (from having low white blood cell counts): temperature of 100.4ºF or higher, with or without other symptoms, such as chills, cough, muscle aches, very fast heartbeat, confusion

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common or rare

Amnesia

black, tarry stools

blood in the urine or stools

convulsions

cough or hoarseness

fever or chills

lower back or side pain

muscle weakness or paralysis on one or both sides of the body

painful or difficult urination

pinpoint red spots on the skin

swelling of the feet or lower legs

unusual bleeding or bruising

Incidence not known

Abdominal or stomach pain or tenderness

blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

chest pain

clay colored stools

cough

decreased appetite

diarrhea

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness

fast heartbeat

headache

hives, itching, or skin rash

joint or muscle pain

nausea or vomiting

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

red, irritated eyes

sneezing

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips

tightness in the chest

troubled breathing

unusual tiredness or weakness

yellow skin or eyes

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Constipation

Less common or rare

Anxiety

blurred or double vision

breast pain (in females)

burning or prickling feeling on the skin

confusion

diarrhea

difficulty with speaking

drowsiness

increased urge to urinate

loss of appetite

loss of muscle coordination

mental depression

runny or stuffy nose

trouble sleeping

unusual weight gain

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pros and cons of Temozolomide (Temodar)

Pros

Available as a capsule that’s taken by mouth

Recommended treatment option for certain types of brain cancer

Cons

Commonly causes nausea and hair loss

Can have a low white blood cell count, which puts you at risk of infection

Pharmacist tips for Temozolomide (Temodar)

You might need to take an antibiotic like Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) during treatment. This helps prevent you from getting a lung infection. You’re more likely to need it if you're taking temozolomide (Temodar) with radiation or if your white blood cell count is low.

Temozolomide (Temodar) can cause nausea and vomiting. Your oncologist might give you antiemetics like ondansetron (Zofran) or prochlorperazine to help. They might tell you to take them before each temozolomide (Temodar) dose. You can also take them between doses if you feel nauseous. If this side effect bothers you too much, talk to your care team.

Temozolomide (Temodar) can put you at risk of getting sick. So, take your temperature often, like once a day. Call your care team right away if it’s 100.4ºF or higher — this means you have a fever. It can sometimes be the only sign that you’re sick, so it’s important to let your oncologist know as soon as possible.

Tips for temozolomide (Temodar) capsules:

Take temozolomide (Temodar) at the same time each day so it works the best it can for you. It also helps you remember to take your medication by making it a part of your daily routine.

You can take temozolomide (Temodar) with or without food. But it’s a good idea to take it on an empty stomach or at bedtime. This helps reduce nausea and vomiting.

Swallow temozolomide (Temodar) capsules whole with water. Don’t crush, open, or chew them because the powder inside can be irritating and harmful.

If a temozolomide (Temodar) capsule gets damaged, avoid getting the powder on your skin, in your eyes, or in your nose. Wash the area with water right away if this happens though.

Ask your oncologist if you’re not sure about your temozolomide (Temodar) dose. This includes which capsule strength to take and how many to take. Temozolomide (Temodar) capsules come in different strengths, and you might need to take more than one at a time. Your dose might change during treatment depending on how you tolerate the medication.

Ask your oncology team about the best way to handle and throw away temozolomide (Temodar) safely. Anticancer medications can be harmful to people who handle or come in contact with them. Keep the medication in a safe place away from children and pets.

Tips for temozolomide (Temodar) IV infusion:

Plan ahead for some time at the medical center or infusion center for your temozolomide (Temodar) IV infusion. The infusion itself lasts about an hour and a half. But you might need some extra time to do paperwork or get situated. Bring something to do, like a book to read or an electronic device, to help pass the time.

You might have a reaction where you get your temozolomide (Temodar) IV infusion. You might feel pain, irritation, itchiness, and warmth around the area. There also could be swelling, redness, and bruising. Tell your nurse or oncology team if this happens and it bothers you. They can help manage these injection site reactions.

Frequently asked questions about Temozolomide (Temodar)

What cancer is temozolomide (Temodar) used for?

Temozolomide (Temodar) is FDA approved to treat two types of brain cancer: glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma. But it’s also sometimes used off-label to treat other types of cancer. This includes certain types of neuroendocrine tumors and sarcoma. Talk to your oncologist to see if temozolomide (Temodar) is right for your cancer.

Is temozolomide (Temodar) chemotherapy?

Yes, temozolomide (Temodar) is a type of traditional or standard chemotherapy. It works by killing fast-growing cells, including cancer cells, by damaging their DNA. It stops cancer cells from spreading. But the medication can also affect healthy fast-growing cells, like the ones in your stomach and hair. That’s why nausea and hair loss are common side effects of temozolomide (Temodar).

Do I need to take an antibiotic while I’m taking temozolomide (Temodar)?

It depends on your risk of getting a specific lung infection called Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). Some people taking temozolomide (Temodar) have a higher risk. This includes people getting radiation at the same time and those with a low lymphocyte count (a type of white blood cell). If you’re at high risk, your oncologist might recommend an antibiotic to help prevent PCP. The most common one is Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim). But there are other options if you’re allergic to sulfa drugs. Ask your oncologist if you need to take an antibiotic while taking temozolomide (Temodar). Follow their instructions if you do.

Does temozolomide (Temodar) cause hair loss?

Some people taking temozolomide (Temodar) can have hair loss. Typically, your hair will grow back after you stop taking the medication. Let your care team know if you notice hair loss or shedding during treatment. They can talk to you about ways to manage this side effect, such as using a soft brush or a cooling cap.

How long does temozolomide (Temodar) stay in your system?

A single dose of temozolomide (Temodar) stays in your body for about 9 hours. This is based on the medication’s half-life, which is how long it takes the body to break it down. Ask your oncologist if you have more questions about how long temozolomide (Temodar) stays in your system.

Is it safe to take temozolomide (Temodar) while pregnant?

If you or your partner becomes pregnant while you’re taking temozolomide (Temodar), tell your oncologist right away. We don’t know how temozolomide (Temodar) affects people who are pregnant because there aren’t any studies done about this. But animal studies show that it might harm an unborn baby. Your oncologist can talk to you about the safest treatment options for you.

Can you breastfeed while taking temozolomide (Temodar)?

You shouldn’t breastfeed while taking temozolomide (Temodar) and for 1 week after your last dose of the medication. We don’t know if temozolomide (Temodar) passes into human milk. But because of the way the medication works, it might be harmful to your baby if it does. Talk to your oncologist or a lactation specialist about your options.

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What are the risks and warnings for Temozolomide (Temodar)?

Temozolomide (Temodar) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Low blood cell count

Risk factors: Older adults | Female

Taking temozolomide (Temodar) can cause your blood cell counts to drop. This can put you at higher risk for infections, anemia, and easy bleeding. Sometimes, it can be very serious.

Your oncologist will check your blood cell counts before each cycle and occasionally during treatment. If your blood cell count gets too low, your oncologist might lower your dose or pause your treatment until it goes back up.

During treatment, watch for signs of infection like fever, chills, or cough. Also look out for signs of anemia, such as feeling tired or having pale skin. And tell your care team if you bleed or bruise more easily than usual.

Serious liver problems

Risk factors: History of liver problems

Although uncommon, serious liver problems can happen in some people taking temozolomide (Temodar). Sometimes, it can be life-threatening.

Your oncologist will regularly check your liver health with lab tests. So, be sure to go to all the lab appointments your oncologist recommends. Tell your care team if you have belly pain, a swollen belly, yellow skin, or yellow eyes during treatment. These could be signs of liver damage.

Pneumonia

Risk factors: Also taking corticosteroids | Taking temozolomide (Temodar) together with radiation | Taking temozolomide (Temodar) for a long time

Some people taking temozolomide (Temodar) have gotten a lung infection called Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). Your risk is higher if you’re also taking a corticosteroid like dexamethasone. It’s also higher if you’re getting radiation at the same time. Your oncologist might prescribe an antibiotic to help prevent this infection. A common one used is Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim).

Tell your care team if you have a fever, cough, trouble breathing, chest pain, chills, or feel very tired while taking temozolomide (Temodar). These can be symptoms of PCP.

Risk of new cancers

People taking temozolomide (Temodar) have a higher risk of developing new cancers later. This has included cancers including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Your oncologist will monitor for this side effect with lab tests, even after you’ve stopped taking temozolomide (Temodar). Talk to your oncologist if you’re worried about this risk.

Harm to an unborn baby

Risk factors: Pregnancy

Animal studies show that temozolomide (Temodar) might harm an unborn baby or cause pregnancy loss (miscarriage). If you can get pregnant, use reliable birth control while taking this medication and for 6 months after your last dose.

If you’re having sex with someone who can get pregnant, also use birth control like condoms during treatment and for 3 months after stopping. Because temozolomide (Temodar) might affect sperm, don’t donate semen during this time.

Tell your oncologist right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant while you’re taking temozolomide (Temodar).

Temozolomide (Temodar) dosage forms

Typical dosing for Temozolomide (Temodar)

Most people take temozolomide (Temodar) as a capsule that’s swallowed whole. There’s also an infusion that’s given through the vein (IV) over 90 minutes at a medical center.

The dose is the same whether you take the capsule or get the IV. Your oncologist will calculate your dose based on your body surface area (BSA). This takes into account your height and weight.

Glioblastoma
- With radiation: The recommended dose is 75 mg/m² of BSA once a day for 6 to 7 weeks. It’s taken together with radiation.
- Maintenance therapy (starting 4 weeks after radiation)
  - Cycle 1: The recommended dose is 150 mg/m² once a day on days 1 to 5 of the first 28-day cycle of treatment.
  - Cycles 2 to 6: The typical dose is either 150 mg/m² or 200 mg/m² once a day on days 1 to 5 of each 28-day cycle. The dose will depend on your lab results and if you have any serious side effects. The dose can be even lower if you have severe side effects.
Anaplastic astrocytoma
- Cycle 1: The recommended dose is 150 mg/m² once a day on days 1 to 5 of the first 28-day cycle of treatment.
- Newly diagnosed
  - Cycles 2 to 12: The typical dose is either 150 mg/m² or 200 mg/m² once a day on days 1 to 5 of each 28-day cycle. Your oncologist will decide on your dose based on your lab results and if you have any serious side effects from the medication. The dose can be even lower if you have severe side effects.
- Refractory
  - Cycles 2 and beyond: The typical dose is either 150 mg/m² or 200 mg/m² once a day on days 1 to 5 of each 28-day cycle. Your dose is based on your lab results and if you have any serious side effects from the medication.

Interactions between Temozolomide (Temodar) and other drugs

Temozolomide (Temodar) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Temozolomide (Temodar). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Measles Virus Vaccine, Live
Mumps Virus Vaccine, Live
Rotavirus Vaccine, Live
Rubella Virus Vaccine, Live
Varicella Virus Vaccine, Live
Zoster Vaccine, Live

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Adenovirus Vaccine
Bacillus of Calmette and Guerin Vaccine, Live
Cholera Vaccine, Live
Dengue Tetravalent Vaccine, Live
Influenza Virus Vaccine, Live
Poliovirus Vaccine, Live
Smallpox Vaccine
Typhoid Vaccine, Live
Yellow Fever Vaccine

How much does Temozolomide (Temodar) cost?

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Temozolomide (Temodar) (generic)

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Temozolomide (Temodar) contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Temozolomide (Temodar) will not be safe for you to take.

Serious allergic reaction to temozolomide (Temodar)
Serious allergic reaction to another chemotherapy medication called dacarbazine

What are alternatives to Temozolomide (Temodar)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Temozolomide (Temodar). Compare a few possible alternatives below.

Temozolomide (Temodar)

Used for:

Newly-diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM), first with radiation and then by itself as maintenance therapy
Newly-diagnosed or refractory anaplastic astrocytoma (grade 3 astrocytoma)

$74.93 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

Carmustine (BiCNU)

Used for:

View Prices