TEMOZOLOMIDE: 17,007 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

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 capsules, USP can be administered orally. 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: Temozolomide capsules, USP for oral use contains either 5 mg, 20 mg, 100 mg, 140 mg, 180 mg, or 250 mg of temozolomide. The inactive ingredients are as follows: Temozolomide capsules, USP, 5 mg: lactose anhydrous (103.52 mg), colloidal silicon dioxide (0.180 mg), sodium starch glycolate (5.650 mg), tartaric acid (2.260 mg), and stearic acid (3.390 mg). Temozolomide capsules, USP, 20 mg: lactose anhydrous (179.0 mg), colloidal silicon dioxide (0.320 mg), sodium starch glycolate (10.350 mg), tartaric acid (4.140 mg), and stearic acid (6.210 mg). Temozolomide capsules, USP, 100 mg: lactose anhydrous (73.0 mg), colloidal silicon dioxide (0.280 mg), sodium starch glycolate (9.00 mg), tartaric acid (3.60 mg), and stearic acid (5.40 mg). Temozolomide capsules, USP, 140 mg: lactose anhydrous (102.2 mg), colloidal silicon dioxide (0.390 mg), sodium starch glycolate (12.60 mg), tartaric acid (5.040 mg), and stearic acid (7.560 mg). Temozolomide capsules, USP, 180 mg: lactose anhydrous (131.4 mg), colloidal silicon dioxide (0.500 mg), sodium starch glycolate (16.20 mg), tartaric acid (6.480 mg), and stearic acid (9.720 mg). Temozolomide capsules, USP, 250 mg: lactose anhydrous (182.5 mg), colloidal silicon dioxide (0.700 mg), sodium starch glycolate (22.50 mg), tartaric acid (9.000 mg), and stearic acid (13.50 mg). The body of the capsules for 5 mg, 20 mg, 140 mg, 180 mg and 250 mg strengths is made of gelatin, and titanium dioxide and is white opaque. The body of the capsules for 100 mg strengths is made of gelatin, titanium dioxide and ferric oxide yellow and is buff opaque. The cap is also made of gelatin, and the colors vary based on the dosage strength. The capsule body and cap are imprinted with pharmaceutical branding ink, which contains shellac, dehydrated alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, purified water, strong ammonia solution, potassium hydroxide, and Black Iron Oxide. Temozolomide capsules, USP, 5 mg: The green opaque cap contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, FDA/E172 yellow iron oxide, and FD&C Blue #2. Temozolomide capsules, USP, 20 mg: The rich yellow opaque cap contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, and FDA/E172 yellow iron oxide. Temozolomide capsules, USP, 100 mg: The peach opaque cap contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, ferric oxide yellow, and ferric oxide red. Temozolomide capsules, USP, 140 mg: The blue opaque cap contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, and FD&C Blue#2. Temozolomide capsules, USP, 180 mg: The red opaque cap contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, and ferric oxide red. Temozolomide capsules, USP, 250 mg: The white opaque cap contains gelatin, and titanium dioxide. structure

1.

Indications And Usage Temozolomide

Capsules, USP are an alkylating drug indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:

• Newly diagnosed glioblastoma concomitantly with radiotherapy and then as maintenance treatment. ( 1.1 )
• Refractory anaplastic astrocytoma who have experienced disease progression on a drug regimen containing nitrosourea and procarbazine. ( 1.2 )

1.1 Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma TEMOZOLOMIDE Capsules, USP is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma concomitantly with radiotherapy and then as maintenance treatment.

1.2 Refractory Anaplastic Astrocytoma TEMOZOLOMIDE Capsules , USP is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with refractory anaplastic astrocytoma who have experienced disease progression on a drug regimen containing nitrosourea and procarbazine.

AND ADMINISTRATION Administer either orally or intravenously. ( 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 TEMODAR orally in a single dose on days 1-5 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 TEMODAR 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 count prior to treatment on Day 1 and on Day 22 of each cycle. Perform complete blood counts weekly until recovery if the ANC falls below 1.5 x 10 9 /L and the platelet count falls below 100 x 10 9 /L. For concomitant use with focal radiotherapy, obtain a complete blood count weekly and as clinically indicated.

2.2 Recommended Dosage and Dosage Modifications for Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma Administer TEMODAR either orally or intravenously once daily for 42 to 49 consecutive days during the concomitant use phase with focal radiotherapy, and then once daily on Days 1 to 5 of each 28-day cycle for 6 cycles during the maintenance use phase.

Provide

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis during the concomitant use phase and continue in patients who develop lymphopenia until resolution to Grade 1 or less [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] .

Concomitant Use

Phase: The recommended dosage of TEMODAR is 75 mg/m 2 either orally or intravenously once daily for 42 to 49 days in combination with focal radiotherapy. Focal radiotherapy includes the tumor bed or resection site with a 2 to 3 cm margin. Other administration schedules have been used. Obtain a complete blood count weekly. The recommended dosage modifications due to adverse reactions during concomitant use phase are provided in Table 1 . TABLE 1: Dosage Modifications Due to Adverse Reactions During Concomitant Use Phase Adverse Reaction Interruption Discontinuation Absolute Neutrophil Count Withhold TEMODAR if ANC is greater than or equal to 0.5 × 10 9 /L and less than 1.5 × 10 9 /L. Discontinue TEMODAR if ANC is less than 0.5 × 10 9 /L. Resume TEMODAR at the same dose when ANC is greater than or equal to 1.5 × 10 9 /L.

Platelet Count

Withhold TEMODAR if platelet count is greater than or equal to 10 × 10 9 /L and less than 100 × 10 9 /L. Discontinue TEMODAR if platelet count is less than 10 × 10 9 /L. Resume TEMODAR at the same dose when platelet count is greater than or equal to 100 × 10 9 /L. Non-hematological Adverse Reaction (except for alopecia, nausea, vomiting) Withhold TEMODAR if Grade 2 adverse reaction occurs. Discontinue TEMODAR if Grade 3 or 4 adverse reaction occurs. Resume TEMODAR at the same dose when resolution to Grade 1 or less.

Single Agent Maintenance Use

Phase: Beginning 4 weeks after concomitant use phase completion, administer TEMODAR either orally or intravenously once daily on Days 1 to 5 of each 28-day cycle for 6 cycles. The recommended dosage of TEMODAR in the maintenance use phase is: Cycle 1: 150 mg/m 2 per day on days 1 to 5.

Cycles

2 to 6: May increase to 200 mg/m 2 per day on days 1 to 5 before starting Cycle 2 if no dosage interruptions or discontinuations are required (Table 1). If the dose is not escalated at the onset of Cycle 2, do not increase the dose for Cycles 3 to 6. Obtain a complete blood count on Day 22 and then weekly until the ANC is above 1.5 × 10 9 /L and the platelet count is above 100 × 10 9 /L. Do not start the next cycle until the ANC and platelet count exceed these levels. The recommended dosage modifications due to adverse reactions during the maintenance use phase are provided in Table 2 . If TEMODAR is withheld, reduce the dose for the next cycle by 50 mg/m 2 per day. Permanently discontinue TEMODAR in patients who are unable to tolerate a dose of 100 mg/m 2 per day. TABLE 2: Dosage Modifications Due to Adverse Reactions During Maintenance and Adjuvant Treatment Adverse Reactions Interruption and Dose Reduction Discontinuation Absolute Neutrophil Count Withhold TEMODAR if ANC less than 1 × 10 9 /L. Discontinue TEMODAR if unable to tolerate a dose of 100 mg/m 2 per day. When ANC is above 1.5 × 10 9 /L, resume TEMODAR at reduced dose for the next cycle.

Platelet Count

Withhold TEMODAR if platelet less than 50 × 10 9 /L. Discontinue TEMODAR if unable to tolerate a dose of 100 mg/m 2 per day. When platelet count is above 100 × 10 9 /L, resume TEMODAR at reduced dose for the next cycle.

Nonhematological Adverse

Reactions (except for alopecia, nausea, vomiting) Withhold TEMODAR if Grade 3 adverse reaction occurs. Discontinue TEMODAR if recurrent Grade 3 adverse reaction occurs after dose reduction, if Grade 4 adverse reaction occurs, or if unable to tolerate a dose of 100 mg/m 2 per day. When resolved to Grade 1 or less, resume TEMODAR at reduced dose for the next cycle.

2.3 Recommended Dosage and Dosage Modifications for Anaplastic Astrocytoma Adjuvant Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Anaplastic Astrocytoma Beginning 4 weeks after the end of radiotherapy, administer TEMODAR orally in a single dose on days 1 to 5 of a 28-day cycle for 12 cycles. The recommended dosage of TEMODAR is: Cycle 1: 150 mg/m 2 per day on days 1 to 5.

Cycles

2 to 12: 200 mg/m 2 per day on days 1 to 5 if patient experienced no or minimal toxicity in Cycle 1. If the dose was not escalated at the onset of Cycle 2, do not increase the dose during Cycles 3 to 6. The recommended complete blood count testing and dosage modifications due to adverse reactions during adjuvant treatment are provided above and in Table 2 [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] .

Refractory Anaplastic Astrocytoma

The recommended initial dosage of TEMODAR is 150 mg/m 2 once daily on Days 1 to 5 of each 28-day cycle. Increase the TEMODAR dose to 200 mg/m 2 per day if the following conditions are met at the nadir and on Day 1 of the next cycle: ANC is greater than or equal to 1.5 × 10 9 /L, and Platelet count is greater than or equal to 100 × 10 9 /L. Continue TEMODAR until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Obtain a complete blood count on Day 22 and then weekly until the ANC is above 1.5 x 10 9 /L and the platelet count is above 100 x 10 9 /L. Do not start the next cycle until the ANC and platelet count exceed these levels. If the ANC is less than 1 × 10 9 /L or the platelet count is less than 50 × 10 9 /L during any cycle, reduce the TEMODAR dose for the next cycle by 50 mg/m 2 per day. Permanently discontinue TEMODAR in patients who are unable to tolerate a dose of 100 mg/m 2 per day.

2.4 Preparation and Administration TEMODAR is a hazardous drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures. 1 TEMODAR capsules Take TEMODAR at the same time each day. Administer TEMODAR consistently with respect to food (fasting vs. nonfasting) <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]</span> . To reduce nausea and vomiting, take TEMODAR on an empty stomach or at bedtime and consider antiemetic therapy prior to and following TEMODAR administration. Swallow TEMODAR capsules whole with water. Advise patients not to open, chew, or dissolve the contents of the capsules <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ]</span> . If capsules are accidentally opened or damaged, take precautions to avoid inhalation or contact with the skin or mucous membranes . In case of powder contact, wash the affected area with water immediately. TEMODAR for injection Bring the vial to room temperature prior to reconstitution with Sterile Water for Injection. Reconstitute the vial with 41 mL of Sterile Water for Injection to yield a TEMODAR solution with a concentration of 2.5 mg/mL temozolomide. Reconstituted TEMODAR is a clear solution and essentially free of visible particles. Gently swirl vial. Do not shake. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Discard if particulate matter or discoloration is observed. Do not further dilute the reconstituted solution. Store reconstituted solution at room temperature (25°C [77°F]). Discard reconstituted solution if not used within 14 hours, including infusion time. Withdraw up to 40 mL from each vial to make up the total dose and discard any unused portion. Transfer reconstituted solution from each vial into an empty 250 mL infusion bag. Administer reconstituted solution using a pump over a period of 90 minutes. Administer TEMODAR by intravenous infusion only. Infusion over a shorter or longer period of time may result in suboptimal dosing. Flush the lines before and after each infusion. TEMODAR for injection may be administered in the same intravenous line with 0.9% Sodium Chloride injection only. Because no data are available on the compatibility of TEMODAR for injection with other intravenous substances or additives, do not infuse other medications simultaneously through the same intravenous line.

Temozolomide capsules, USP is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity reactions to: temozolomide or any other ingredients in Temozolomide capsules, USP; 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 hypersensitivity to temozolomide or any other ingredients in Temozolomide capsules, USP and dacarbazine. ( 4.1 )

6.

Adverse Reactions

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:

• Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )].
• Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Secondary Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )].
• Pneumocystis Pneumonia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )].
• Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )]. The most common adverse reactions (≥ 20% incidence) are: alopecia, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headache, constipation, anorexia, and convulsions. ( 6.1 ) The most common Grade 3 to 4 hematologic laboratory abnormalities (≥ 10% incidence) in patients with anaplastic astrocytoma are: decreased lymphocytes, decreased platelets, decreased neutrophils, and decreased leukocytes.( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Ascend Laboratories LLC at 1-877-ASC-RX01 (877-272-7901) 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 )]. Forty-nine percent (49%) of patients treated with TEMOZOLOMIDE reported one or more severe or life-threatening reactions, most commonly fatigue (13%), convulsions (6%), headache (5%), and thrombocytopenia (5%). The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) across the cumulative TEMOZOLOMIDE experience were alopecia, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.

Table

3 summarizes the adverse reactions in Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma Trial. Overall, the pattern of reactions during the maintenance phase was consistent with the known safety profile of TEMOZOLOMIDE. TABLE 3: Adverse Reactions (≥5%) in Patients Receiving TEMOZOLOMIDE in Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma Trial Adverse Reactions Concomitant Phase Maintenance Phase Radiation Therapy and TEMOZOLAMIDE N=288* Radiation Therapy Alone N=285 TEMOZOLOMIDE N=224 All Grades (%) Grade ≥3 (%)

All

Grades (%) Grade ≥3 (%)

All

Grades (%) Grade ≥3 (%) Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Alopecia 69 63 55 Rash 19 1 15 13 1 Dry Skin 2 2 5 <1 Pruritus 4 1 5 Erythema 5 5 1 General Fatigue 54 7 49 5 61 9 Anorexia 19 1 9 <1 27 1 Headache 19 2 17 4 23 4 Weakness 3 2 3 1 7 2 Dizziness 4 1 4 5 Gastrointestinal System Nausea 36 1 16 <1 49 1 Vomiting 20 <1 6 <1 29 2 Constipation 18 1 6 22 Diarrhea 6 3 10 1 Stomatitis 7 5 <1 9 1 Abdominal Pain 2 <1 1 5 <1 Eye Vision Blurred 9 1 9 1 8 Injury Radiation Injury NOS 7 4 <1 2 Central and Peripheral Nervous System Convulsions 6 3 7 3 11 3 Memory Impairment 3 <1 4 <1 7 1 Confusion 4 1 4 2 5 2 Special Senses Other Taste Perversion 6 2 5 Respiratory System Coughing 5 1 1 8 <1 Dyspnea 4 2 3 1 5 <1 Psychiatric Insomnia 5 3 <1 4 Immune System Allergic Reaction 5 2 <1 3 Platelet, Bleeding and Clotting Thrombocytopenia 4 3 1 8 4 Musculoskeletal System Arthralgia 2 <1 1 6 *One patient who was randomized to radiation therapy only arm received radiation therapy and TEMOZOLOMIDE. NOS=not otherwise specified. Note : Grade 5 (fatal) adverse reactions are included in the Grade ≥3 column. When laboratory abnormalities and adverse reactions were combined, Grade 3 or Grade 4 neutrophil abnormalities including neutropenic reactions were observed in 8% of patients, and Grade 3 or Grade 4 platelet abnormalities including thrombocytopenic reactions, were observed in 14% of patients.

Refractory Anaplastic Astrocytoma

The safety of TEMOZOLOMIDE was evaluated in Study MK-7365-006 [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )]. Myelosuppression (thrombocytopenia and neutropenia) was the dose-limiting adverse reaction. It usually occurred within the first few cycles of therapy and was not cumulative. Myelosuppression occurred late in the treatment cycle and returned to normal, on average, within 14 days of nadir counts. The median nadirs occurred at 26 days for platelets (range: 21-40 days) and 28 days for neutrophils (range: 1-44 days).

Only

14% (22/158) of patients had a neutrophil nadir and 20% (32/158) of patients had a platelet nadir, which may have delayed the start of the next cycle. Less than 10% of patients required hospitalization, blood transfusion, or discontinuation of therapy due to myelosuppression. The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, constipation, and convulsions.

Tables

4 and 5 summarize the adverse reactions and hematological laboratory abnormalities in Refractory Anaplastic Astrocytoma Trial. TABLE 4: Adverse Reactions (≥5%) in Patients Receiving TEMOZOLOMIDE in Refractory Anaplastic Astrocytoma Trial Adverse Reactions TEMOZOLOMIDE N=158 All Reactions (%)

Grades

3-4 (%)

Gastrointestinal System Nausea

53 10 Vomiting 42 6 Constipation 33 1 Diarrhea 16 2 Abdominal pain 9 1 Anorexia 9 1 General Headache 41 6 Fatigue 34 4 Asthenia 13 6 Fever 13 2 Back pain 8 3 Central and Peripheral Nervous System Convulsions 23 5 Hemiparesis 18 6 Dizziness 12 1 Coordination abnormal 11 1 Amnesia 10 4 Insomnia 10 Paresthesia 9 1 Somnolence 9 3 Paresis 8 3 Urinary incontinence 8 2 Ataxia 8 2 Dysphasia 7 1 Convulsions local 6 Gait abnormal 6 1 Confusion 5 Cardiovascular Edema peripheral 11 1 Resistance Mechanism Infection viral 11 Endocrine Adrenal hypercorticism 8 Respiratory System Upper respiratory tract infection 8 Pharyngitis 8 Sinusitis 6 Coughing 5 Skin and Appendages Rash 8 Pruritus 8 1 Urinary System Urinary tract infection 8 Micturition increased frequency 6 Psychiatric Anxiety 7 1 Depression 6 Reproductive Disorders Breast pain, female 6 Metabolic Weight increase 5 Musculoskeletal System Myalgia 5 Vision Diplopia 5 Vision abnormal* 5 *This term includes blurred vision; visual deficit; vision changes; and vision troubles. TABLE 5: Grade 3 to 4 Adverse Hematologic Laboratory Abnormalities in Refractory Anaplastic Astrocytoma Trial TEMOZOLOMIDE *,† Decreased lymphocytes 55% Decreased platelets 19% Decreased neutrophils 14% Decreased leukocytes 11% Decreased hemoglobin 4% *Change from Grade 0 to 2 at baseline to Grade 3 or 4 during treatment. †Denominator range= 142, 158 Hematological Toxicities for Advanced Gliomas: In clinical trial experience with 110 to 111 females and 169 to 174 males (depending on measurements), females experienced higher rates of Grade 4 neutropenia (ANC < 0.5 x 10 9 /L) and thrombocytopenia (< 20 x 10 9 /L) than males in the first cycle of therapy (12% vs. 5% and 9% vs. 3%, respectively). In the entire safety database for which hematologic data exist (N=932), 7% (4/61) and 9.5% (6/63) of patients > 70 years experienced Grade 4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia in the first cycle, respectively. For patients ≤ 70 years, 7% (62/871) and 5.5% (48/879) experienced Grade 4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia in the first cycle, respectively. Pancytopenia, leukopenia, and anemia also occurred. Adverse reactions with TEMOZOLOMIDE for injection Adverse reactions that were reported in 35 patients who received TEMOZOLOMIDE for injection that were not reported in patients who received TEMOZOLOMIDE capsules were pain, irritation, pruritus, warmth, swelling, and erythema at infusion site; petechiae; and hematoma.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of TEMOZOLOMIDE. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to the drug exposure. Dermatologic: Toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome Immune System: Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis. Erythema multiforme, which resolved after discontinuation of TEMOZOLOMIDE and, in some cases, recurred upon rechallenge. Hematopoietic: Prolonged pancytopenia, which may result in aplastic anemia and fatal outcomes. Hepatobiliary : Fatal and severe hepatotoxicity, elevation of liver enzymes, hyperbilirubinemia, cholestasis, and hepatitis Infections: Serious opportunistic infections, including some cases with fatal outcomes, with bacterial, viral (primary and reactivated), fungal, and protozoan organisms. Pulmonary: Interstitial pneumonitis, pneumonitis, alveolitis, and pulmonary fibrosis. Endocrine : Diabetes insipidus

AND PRECAUTIONS

• 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 <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Adverse Reactions (6.1 , 6.2) ]</span> . 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 Fataland 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 <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ]</span> . Monitor all patients receiving temozolomide for the development of lymphopenia and PCP.

5.4 Secondary Malignancies Theincidence 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 <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) ]</span> .

5.6 Exposure to Opened Capsules Advisepatients 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 <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ]</span> . 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.