You will be getting treatment with Temodar (temozolomide) at the same time that you are receiving radiation therapy with CyberKnife.
A prescription has been sent to the pharmacy for your chemotherapy medication, Temodar, and an anti-nausea medication, Zofran (ondansetron). You will begin these medications the day before your first CyberKnife treatment.
Instructions for taking the chemotherapy
- Temodar is taken in the evening before bedtime.
- On the evening prior to the first day of CyberKnife treatment, take the Zofran (anti-nausea medication).
- One hour after taking Zofran take the Temodar as prescribed.
- Remember that you will probably need to take more than one pill when taking Temodar. Sometimes, you will have to add pills of different strengths together to get the dose of Temodar that is recommended for you. Make sure that the total dose you are taking matches the total dose on the Temodar instructions given to you at your visit.
- Taking Zofran and Temodar as described above should prevent any nausea. However, if you are experiencing nausea/vomiting, you can take one additional Zofran tablet every 6 to 8 hours as needed.
- Please, don't forget to wash your hands after handling Temodar.
- Even though CyberKnife treatments do not occur on the weekends, you will take the Temodar over the weekend during your treatment.
- Your last dose will be on the day after CyberKnife treatment.
Common side effects:
- Constipation - We recommend that you also begin using a daily stool softener. Also, drink plenty of water and get mild exercise, such as a walk. Please contact us if this becomes a problem.
- Fatigue - Gentle exercise is great, but so are naps. You may find that you will need to break up activities with frequent periods of rest.
We recommend that you avoid any dental work while on chemotherapy. If you must have your teeth cleaned, please do not have any deep cleaning and ask the dentist to only clean above the gum line.
Contact us if you develop any fever/sign of infection or unusual bruising bleeding.
Published April 2018
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