1.1 Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma Multiforme

TEMODAR® (temozolomide) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme concomitantly with radiotherapy and then as maintenance treatment.

1.2 Refractory Anaplastic Astrocytoma

TEMODAR is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with refractory anaplastic astrocytoma, i.e., patients who have experienced disease progression on a drug regimen containing nitrosourea and procarbazine.

2.1 Recommended Dosing and Dose Modification Guidelines

The recommended dose for TEMODAR as an intravenous infusion over 90 minutes is the same as the dose for the oral capsule formulation. Bioequivalence has been established only when TEMODAR for Injection was given over 90 minutes [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Dosage of TEMODAR must be adjusted according to nadir neutrophil and platelet counts in the previous cycle and the neutrophil and platelet counts at the time of initiating the next cycle. For TEMODAR dosage calculations based on body surface area (BSA) see Table 5. For suggested capsule combinations on a daily dose see Table 6.

Patients with Refractory Anaplastic Astrocytoma:

For adults the initial dose is 150 mg/m2 once daily for 5 consecutive days per 28-day treatment cycle. For adult patients, if both the nadir and day of dosing (Day 29, Day 1 of next cycle) ANC are ≥1.5 × 109/L (1500/µL) and both the nadir and Day 29, Day 1 of next cycle platelet counts are ≥100 × 109/L (100,000/µL), the TEMODAR dose may be increased to 200 mg/m2/day for 5 consecutive days per 28-day treatment cycle. During treatment, a complete blood count should be obtained on Day 22 (21 days after the first dose) or within 48 hours of that day, and weekly until the ANC is above 1.5 × 109/L (1500/µL) and the platelet count exceeds 100 × 109/L (100,000/µL). The next cycle of TEMODAR should not be started until the ANC and platelet count exceed these levels. If the ANC falls to <1.0 × 109/L (1000/µL) or the platelet count is <50 × 109/L (50,000/µL) during any cycle, the next cycle should be reduced by 50 mg/m2, but not below 100 mg/m2, the lowest recommended dose (see Table 4). TEMODAR therapy can be continued until disease progression. In the clinical trial, treatment could be continued for a maximum of 2 years, but the optimum duration of therapy is not known.

TABLE 4: Dosing Modification Table

TABLE 5: Daily Dose Calculations by Body Surface Area (BSA)

Total BSA (m2)	75 mg/m2 (mg daily)	150 mg/m2 (mg daily)	200 mg/m2 (mg daily)
1.0	75	150	200
1.1	82.5	165	220
1.2	90	180	240
1.3	97.5	195	260
1.4	105	210	280
1.5	112.5	225	300
1.6	120	240	320
1.7	127.5	255	340
1.8	135	270	360
1.9	142.5	285	380
2.0	150	300	400
2.1	157.5	315	420
2.2	165	330	440
2.3	172.5	345	460
2.4	180	360	480
2.5	187.5	375	500

TABLE 6: Suggested Capsule Combinations Based on Daily Dose in Adults

Number of Daily Capsules by Strength (mg)
Total Daily Dose (mg)	250 mg	180 mg	140 mg	100 mg	20 mg	5 mg
75	0	0	0	0	3	3
82.5	0	0	0	0	4	0
90	0	0	0	0	4	2
97.5	0	0	0	1	0	0
105	0	0	0	1	0	1
112.5	0	0	0	1	0	2
120	0	0	0	1	1	0
127.5	0	0	0	1	1	1
135	0	0	0	1	1	3
142.5	0	0	1	0	0	0
150	0	0	1	0	0	2
157.5	0	0	1	0	1	0
165	0	0	1	0	1	1
172.5	0	0	1	0	1	2
180	0	1	0	0	0	0
187.5	0	1	0	0	0	1
195	0	1	0	0	0	3
200	0	1	0	0	1	0
210	0	0	0	2	0	2
220	0	0	0	2	1	0
225	0	0	0	2	1	1
240	0	0	1	1	0	0
255	1	0	0	0	0	1
260	1	0	0	0	0	2
270	1	0	0	0	1	0
280	0	0	2	0	0	0
285	0	0	2	0	0	1
300	0	0	0	3	0	0
315	0	0	0	3	0	3
320	0	1	1	0	0	0
330	0	1	1	0	0	2
340	0	1	1	0	1	0
345	0	1	1	0	1	1
360	0	2	0	0	0	0
375	0	2	0	0	0	3
380	0	1	0	2	0	0
400	0	0	0	4	0	0
420	0	0	3	0	0	0
440	0	0	3	0	1	0
460	0	2	0	1	0	0
480	0	1	0	3	0	0
500	2	0	0	0	0	0

2.2 Preparation and Administration

4.1 Hypersensitivity

TEMODAR (temozolomide) is contraindicated in patients who have a history of hypersensitivity reaction (such as urticaria, allergic reaction including anaphylaxis, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to any of its components. TEMODAR is also contraindicated in patients who have a history of hypersensitivity to DTIC, since both drugs are metabolized to 5-(3-methyltriazen-1-yl)-imidazole-4-carboxamide (MTIC).

5.1 Myelosuppression

Patients treated with TEMODAR may experience myelosuppression, including prolonged pancytopenia, which may result in aplastic anemia, which in some cases has resulted in a fatal outcome. In some cases, exposure to concomitant medications associated with aplastic anemia, including carbamazepine, phenytoin, and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, complicates assessment. Prior to dosing, patients must have an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥1.5 × 109/L and a platelet count ≥100 × 109/L. A complete blood count should be obtained on Day 22 (21 days after the first dose) or within 48 hours of that day, and weekly until the ANC is above 1.5 × 109/L and platelet count exceeds 100 × 109/L. Geriatric patients and women have been shown in clinical trials to have a higher risk of developing myelosuppression.

5.2 Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Cases of myelodysplastic syndrome and secondary malignancies, including myeloid leukemia, have been observed.

5.3 Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia

For treatment of newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme: Prophylaxis against Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is required for all patients receiving concomitant TEMODAR and radiotherapy for the 42-day regimen.

There may be a higher occurrence of PCP when temozolomide is administered during a longer dosing regimen. However, all patients receiving temozolomide, particularly patients receiving steroids, should be observed closely for the development of PCP regardless of the regimen.

5.4 Laboratory Tests

For the concomitant treatment phase with RT, a complete blood count should be obtained prior to initiation of treatment and weekly during treatment.

For the 28-day treatment cycles, a complete blood count should be obtained prior to treatment on Day 1 and on Day 22 (21 days after the first dose) of each cycle. Blood counts should be performed weekly until recovery if the ANC falls below 1.5 × 109/L and the platelet count falls below 100 × 109/L [see Recommended Dosing and Dose Modification Guidelines (2.1)].

5.5 Use in Pregnancy

TEMODAR can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Administration of TEMODAR to rats and rabbits during organogenesis at 0.38 and 0.75 times the maximum recommended human dose (75 and 150 mg/m2), respectively, caused numerous fetal malformations of the external organs, soft tissues, and skeleton in both species [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

5.6 Infusion Time

As bioequivalence has been established only when TEMODAR for Injection was given over 90 minutes, infusion over a shorter or longer period of time may result in suboptimal dosing. Additionally, the possibility of an increase in infusion-related adverse reactions cannot be ruled out.

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.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of TEMODAR. 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.

TEMODAR Capsules: allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported. Erythema multiforme has been reported, which resolved after discontinuation of TEMODAR and, in some cases, recurred upon rechallenge. Cases of toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome have been reported.

There have been reported cases of hepatotoxicity, including elevations of liver enzymes, hyperbilirubinemia, cholestasis, and hepatitis.

Opportunistic infections including Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) have also been reported. Cases of interstitial pneumonitis/pneumonitis, alveolitis, and pulmonary fibrosis have been reported. Prolonged pancytopenia, which may result in aplastic anemia, has been reported, and in some cases has resulted in a fatal outcome.

7.1 Valproic Acid

Administration of valproic acid decreases oral clearance of temozolomide by about 5%. The clinical implication of this effect is not known [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

8.1 Pregnancy

8.3 Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants and tumorigenicity shown for temozolomide in animal studies, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother from TEMODAR.

8.4 Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. TEMODAR Capsules have been studied in 2 open-label studies in pediatric patients (aged 3–18 years) at a dose of 160 to 200 mg/m2 daily for 5 days every 28 days. In one trial, 29 patients with recurrent brain stem glioma and 34 patients with recurrent high grade astrocytoma were enrolled. All patients had recurrence following surgery and radiation therapy, while 31% also had disease progression following chemotherapy. In a second study conducted by the Children's Oncology Group (COG), 122 patients were enrolled, including patients with medulloblastoma/PNET (29), high grade astrocytoma (23), low grade astrocytoma (22), brain stem glioma (16), ependymoma (14), other CNS tumors (9), and non-CNS tumors (9). The TEMODAR toxicity profile in pediatric patients is similar to adults. Table 10 shows the adverse reactions in 122 children in the COG study.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of temozolomide did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they responded differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

In the anaplastic astrocytoma study population, patients 70 years of age or older had a higher incidence of Grade 4 neutropenia and Grade 4 thrombocytopenia (2/8; 25%, P=0.31 and 2/10; 20%, P=0.09, respectively) in the first cycle of therapy than patients under 70 years of age [see Warnings and Precautions (5) and Adverse Reactions (6)].

In newly diagnosed patients with glioblastoma multiforme, the adverse reaction profile was similar in younger patients (<65 years) vs. older (≥65 years).

8.6 Renal Impairment

Caution should be exercised when TEMODAR is administered to patients with severe renal impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

8.7 Hepatic Impairment

Caution should be exercised when TEMODAR is administered to patients with severe hepatic impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

TEMODAR Capsules:

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 TEMODAR Capsules are as follows:

 

TEMODAR 5 mg: lactose anhydrous (132.8 mg), colloidal silicon dioxide (0.2 mg), sodium starch glycolate (7.5 mg), tartaric acid (1.5 mg), and stearic acid (3 mg).

 

TEMODAR 20 mg: lactose anhydrous (182.2 mg), colloidal silicon dioxide (0.2 mg), sodium starch glycolate (11 mg), tartaric acid (2.2 mg), and stearic acid (4.4 mg).

 

TEMODAR 100 mg: lactose anhydrous (175.7 mg), colloidal silicon dioxide (0.3 mg), sodium starch glycolate (15 mg), tartaric acid (3 mg), and stearic acid (6 mg).

 

TEMODAR 140 mg: lactose anhydrous (246 mg), colloidal silicon dioxide (0.4 mg), sodium starch glycolate (21 mg), tartaric acid (4.2 mg), and stearic acid (8.4 mg).

 

TEMODAR 180 mg: lactose anhydrous (316.3 mg), colloidal silicon dioxide (0.5 mg), sodium starch glycolate (27 mg), tartaric acid (5.4 mg), and stearic acid (10.8 mg).

 

TEMODAR 250 mg: lactose anhydrous (154.3 mg), colloidal silicon dioxide (0.7 mg), sodium starch glycolate (22.5 mg), tartaric acid (9 mg), and stearic acid (13.5 mg).

The body of the capsules are made of gelatin, and are opaque white. 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 ferric oxide.

 

TEMODAR 5 mg: The green cap contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, iron oxide yellow, sodium lauryl sulfate, and FD&C Blue #2.

 

TEMODAR 20 mg: The yellow cap contains gelatin, sodium lauryl sulfate, and iron oxide yellow.

 

TEMODAR 100 mg: The pink cap contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, and iron oxide red.

 

TEMODAR 140 mg: The blue cap contains gelatin, sodium lauryl sulfate, and FD&C Blue #2.

 

TEMODAR 180 mg: The orange cap contains gelatin, iron oxide red, iron oxide yellow, titanium dioxide, and sodium lauryl sulfate.

 

TEMODAR 250 mg: The white cap contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, and sodium lauryl sulfate.

TEMODAR for Injection:

Each vial contains 100 mg of sterile and pyrogen-free temozolomide lyophilized powder for intravenous injection. The inactive ingredients are: mannitol (600 mg), L-threonine (160 mg), polysorbate 80 (120 mg), sodium citrate dihydrate (235 mg), and hydrochloric acid (160 mg).

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Temozolomide is not directly active but undergoes rapid nonenzymatic conversion at physiologic pH to the reactive compound 5-(3-methyltriazen-1-yl)-imidazole-4-carboxamide (MTIC). The cytotoxicity of MTIC is thought to be primarily due to alkylation of DNA. Alkylation (methylation) occurs mainly at the O6 and N7 positions of guanine.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Temozolomide is carcinogenic in rats at doses less than the maximum recommended human dose. Temozolomide induced mammary carcinomas in both males and females at doses 0.13 to 0.63 times the maximum human dose (25–125 mg/m2) when administered orally on 5 consecutive days every 28 days for 6 cycles. Temozolomide also induced fibrosarcomas of the heart, eye, seminal vesicles, salivary glands, abdominal cavity, uterus, and prostate, carcinomas of the seminal vesicles, schwannomas of the heart, optic nerve, and harderian gland, and adenomas of the skin, lung, pituitary, and thyroid at doses 0.5 times the maximum daily dose. Mammary tumors were also induced following 3 cycles of temozolomide at the maximum recommended daily dose.

Temozolomide is a mutagen and a clastogen. In a reverse bacterial mutagenesis assay (Ames assay), temozolomide increased revertant frequency in the absence and presence of metabolic activation. Temozolomide was clastogenic in human lymphocytes in the presence and absence of metabolic activation.

Temozolomide impairs male fertility. Temozolomide caused syncytial cells/immature sperm formation at 0.25 and 0.63 times the maximum recommended human dose (50 and 125 mg/m2) in rats and dogs, respectively, and testicular atrophy in dogs at 0.63 times the maximum recommended human dose (125 mg/m2).

13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology

Toxicology studies in rats and dogs identified a low incidence of hemorrhage, degeneration, and necrosis of the retina at temozolomide doses equal to or greater than 0.63 times the maximum recommended human dose (125 mg/m2). These changes were most commonly seen at doses where mortality was observed.

14.1 Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma Multiforme

Five hundred and seventy-three patients were randomized to receive either TEMODAR (TMZ)+Radiotherapy (RT) (n=287) or RT alone (n=286). Patients in the TEMODAR+RT arm received concomitant TEMODAR (75 mg/m2 ) once daily, starting the first day of RT until the last day of RT, for 42 days (with a maximum of 49 days). This was followed by 6 cycles of TEMODAR alone (150 or 200 mg/m2) on Days 1 to 5 of every 28-day cycle, starting 4 weeks after the end of RT. Patients in the control arm received RT only. In both arms, focal radiation therapy was delivered as 60 Gy/30 fractions. Focal RT includes the tumor bed or resection site with a 2- to 3-cm margin. Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis was required during the TMZ + RT, regardless of lymphocyte count, and was to continue until recovery of lymphocyte count to less than or equal to Grade 1.

At the time of disease progression, TEMODAR was administered as salvage therapy in 161 patients of the 282 (57%) in the RT alone arm, and 62 patients of the 277 (22%) in the TEMODAR+RT arm.

The addition of concomitant and maintenance TEMODAR to radiotherapy in the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed GBM showed a statistically significant improvement in overall survival compared to radiotherapy alone (Figure 1). The hazard ratio (HR) for overall survival was 0.63 (95% CI for HR=0.52-0.75) with a log-rank P<0.0001 in favor of the TEMODAR arm. The median survival was increased by 2.5 months in the TEMODAR arm.
 

FIGURE 1: Kaplan-Meier Curves for Overall Survival (ITT Population)

14.2 Refractory Anaplastic Astrocytoma

A single-arm, multicenter study was conducted in 162 patients who had anaplastic astrocytoma at first relapse and who had a baseline Karnofsky performance status of 70 or greater. Patients had previously received radiation therapy and may also have previously received a nitrosourea with or without other chemotherapy. Fifty-four patients had disease progression on prior therapy with both a nitrosourea and procarbazine, and their malignancy was considered refractory to chemotherapy (refractory anaplastic astrocytoma population). Median age of this subgroup of 54 patients was 42 years (19–76). Sixty-five percent were male. Seventy-two percent of patients had a KPS of >80. Sixty-three percent of patients had surgery other than a biopsy at the time of initial diagnosis. Of those patients undergoing resection, 73% underwent a subtotal resection and 27% underwent a gross total resection. Eighteen percent of patients had surgery at the time of first relapse. The median time from initial diagnosis to first relapse was 13.8 months (4.2–75.4).

TEMODAR Capsules were given for the first 5 consecutive days of a 28-day cycle at a starting dose of 150 mg/m2/day. If the nadir and day of dosing (Day 29, Day 1 of next cycle) absolute neutrophil count was ≥1.5 × 109/L (1500/µL) and the nadir and Day 29, Day 1 of next cycle platelet count was ≥100 × 109/L (100,000/µL), the TEMODAR dose was increased to 200 mg/m2/day for the first 5 consecutive days of a 28-day cycle.

In the refractory anaplastic astrocytoma population, the overall tumor response rate (CR + PR) was 22% (12/54 patients) and the complete response rate was 9% (5/54 patients). The median duration of all responses was 50 weeks (range: 16–114 weeks) and the median duration of complete responses was 64 weeks (range:52–114 weeks). In this population, progression-free survival at 6 months was 45% (95% CI: 31%–58%) and progression-free survival at 12 months was 29% (95% CI: 16%–42%). Median progression-free survival was 4.4 months. Overall survival at 6 months was 74% (95% CI: 62%–86%) and 12-month overall survival was 65% (95% CI: 52%–78%). Median overall survival was 15.9 months.

16.1 Safe Handling and Disposal

Care should be exercised in the handling and preparation of TEMODAR. Vials and capsules should not be opened. If vials or capsules are accidentally opened or damaged, rigorous precautions should be taken with the contents to avoid inhalation or contact with the skin or mucous membranes. The use of gloves and safety glasses is recommended to avoid exposure in case of breakage of the vial or capsules. Procedures for proper handling and disposal of anticancer drugs should be considered1–4. Several guidelines on this subject have been published.

16.2 How Supplied

16.3 Storage

Store TEMODAR Capsules at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°–30°C (59°–86°F)

[see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Store TEMODAR for Injection refrigerated at 2°–8°C (36°–46°F). After reconstitution, store reconstituted product at room temperature (25°C [77°F]). Reconstituted product must be used within 14 hours, including infusion time.

17.1 Information for the Patient

Physicians should discuss the following with their patients:

• Nausea and vomiting are the most frequently occurring adverse reactions. Nausea and vomiting are usually either self-limiting or readily controlled with standard antiemetic therapy.
• Capsules should not be opened. If capsules are accidentally opened or damaged, rigorous precautions should be taken with the capsule contents to avoid inhalation or contact with the skin or mucous membranes.
• The medication should be kept away from children and pets.

17.2 FDA-approved Patient Labeling

What is TEMODAR?

TEMODAR® (temozolomide) is an oral alkylating agent for the treatment of newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme and refractory anaplastic astrocytoma.

How is TEMODAR dosed?

The daily dose of TEMODAR Capsules for a given patient is calculated by the physician, based on the patient's body surface area (BSA). The resulting dose is then rounded off to the nearest 5 mg. An example of the dosing may be as follows: the initial daily dose of TEMODAR in milligrams is the BSA multiplied by mg/m2/day, (a patient with a BSA of 1.84 is 1.84 × 75 mg = 138, or 140 mg/day). The dose for subsequent cycles may be adjusted according to nadir neutrophil and platelet counts in the previous cycle and at the time of initiating the next cycle.

How might the dose of TEMODAR be modified for Refractory Anaplastic Astrocytoma?

Dosage of TEMODAR must be adjusted according to nadir neutrophil and platelet counts in the previous cycle and neutrophil and platelet counts at the time of initiating the next cycle. The initial dose is 150 mg/m2 orally once daily for 5 consecutive days per 28-day treatment cycle. If both the nadir and day of dosing (Day 29, Day 1 of next cycle) absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) are ≥1.5 × 109/L (1500/µL) and both the nadir and Day 29, Day 1 of next cycle platelet counts are ≥100 × 109/L (100,000/µL), the TEMODAR dose may be increased to 200 mg/m2/ day for 5 consecutive days per 28-day treatment cycle. During treatment, a complete blood count should be obtained on Day 22 (21 days after the first dose) or within 48 hours of that day, and weekly until the ANC is above 1.5 × 109/L (1500/µL) and the platelet count exceeds 100 × 109/L (100,000/µL). The next cycle of TEMODAR should not be started until the ANC and platelet count exceed these levels. If the ANC falls to <1.0 × 109/L (1000/µL) or the platelet count is <50 × 109/L (50,000/µL) during any cycle, the next cycle should be reduced by 50 mg/m2, but not below 100 mg/m2, the lowest recommended dose (see Table 1 below).

TABLE 1: Dosing Modification Table for Refractory Anaplastic Astrocytoma

What is the TEMODAR Capsules treatment regimen?

TEMODAR is given for 5 consecutive days on a 28-day cycle. Patients should continue taking TEMODAR until their physician determines that their disease has progressed, up to 2 years, or until unacceptable side effects or toxicities occur. Physicians may alter the treatment regimen for a given patient.

Newly Diagnosed Concomitant Phase Treatment Schedule

TEMODAR is administered orally at 75 mg/m2 daily for 42 days concomitant with focal radiotherapy (60Gy administered in 30 fractions), followed by maintenance TEMODAR for 6 cycles. No dose reductions are recommended; however, dose interruptions may occur based on patient tolerance. The TEMODAR dose can be continued throughout the 42-day concomitant period up to 49 days if all of the following conditions are met: absolute neutrophil count ≥1.5 × 109/L, platelet count ≥100 ×109/L, common toxicity criteria (CTC) nonhematological toxicity ≤Grade 1 (except for alopecia, nausea and vomiting). During treatment a complete blood count should be obtained weekly. Temozolomide dosing should be interrupted or discontinued during concomitant phase according to the hematological and nonhematological toxicity criteria as noted in Table 2. PCP prophylaxis is required during the concomitant administration of TEMODAR and radiotherapy and should be continued in patients who develop lymphocytopenia until recovery from lymphocytopenia (CTC grade ≤1).

Maintenance Phase Treatment Schedule

Four weeks after completing the TEMODAR + RT phase, TEMODAR is administered for an additional 6 cycles of maintenance treatment. Dosage in Cycle 1 (maintenance) is 150 mg/m2 once daily for 5 days followed by 23 days without treatment. At the start of Cycle 2, the dose is escalated to 200 mg/m2 , if the CTC nonhematologic toxicity for Cycle 1 is Grade ≤2 (except for alopecia, nausea and vomiting), absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is ≥1.5 × 109/L, and the platelet count is ≥100 × 109/L. If the dose was not escalated at Cycle 2, escalation should not be done in subsequent cycles. The dose remains at 200 mg/m2 per day for the first 5 days of each subsequent cycle except if toxicity occurs.

During treatment a complete blood count should be obtained on Day 22 (21 days after the first dose ) or within 48 hours of that day, and weekly until the ANC is above 1.5 × 109/L (1500/µL) and the platelet count exceeds 100 × 109/L (100,000/µL). The next cycle of TEMODAR should not be started until the ANC and platelet count exceed these levels. Dose reductions during the next cycle should be based on the lowest blood counts and worst nonhematologic toxicity during the previous cycle. Dose reductions or discontinuations during the maintenance phase should be applied according to Tables 3 and 4.

How is TEMODAR taken?

Patients should take each day's dose with a full glass of water at the same time each day. Taking the medication on an empty stomach or at bedtime may help ease nausea. If patients are also taking antinausea or other medications to relieve the side effects associated with TEMODAR, they should be advised to take these medications 30 minutes before they take TEMODAR. Temozolomide causes the rapid appearance of malignant tumors in rats. Patients SHOULD NOT open or split the capsules. If capsules are accidentally opened or damaged, rigorous precautions should be taken with the capsule contents to avoid inhalation or contact with the skin or mucous membranes. The medication should be kept away from children and pets. The TEMODAR capsules should be swallowed whole and NEVER CHEWED.

What should the patient avoid during treatment with TEMODAR?

There are no dietary restrictions for patients taking TEMODAR. TEMODAR may affect testicular function, so male patients should exercise adequate birth control measures. TEMODAR may cause birth defects. Female patients should avoid becoming pregnant while receiving this drug. Women who are nursing prior to receiving TEMODAR should discontinue nursing. It is not known whether TEMODAR is excreted into breast milk.

What are the side effects of TEMODAR?

Nausea and vomiting are the most common side effects associated with TEMODAR. Noncumulative myelosuppression is the dose-limiting toxicity. Patients should be evaluated periodically by their physician to monitor blood counts.

Other commonly reported side effects reported by patients taking TEMODAR are fatigue, constipation, alopecia, anorexia, and headache.

How is TEMODAR supplied?

TEMODAR Capsules are available in 5-mg, 20-mg, 100-mg, 140-mg, 180-mg, and 250-mg strengths. The capsules contain a white capsule body with a color cap, and the colors vary based on the dosage strength.

The 5-mg, 20-mg, 100-mg, 140-mg, and 180-mg capsule strengths are available in 5-count and 14-count packages. The 250-mg capsule strength is available in a 5-count package.

How is TEMODAR dispensed?

Each strength of TEMODAR must be dispensed in a separate vial or in its original glass bottle (one strength per one container). Follow the instructions below:

Based on the dose prescribed, determine the number of each strength of TEMODAR capsules needed for the full 42- or 5-day cycle as prescribed by the physician. For example, in a 5-day cycle, 275 mg/day would be dispensed as five 250-mg capsules, five 20-mg capsules and five 5-mg capsules. Label each container with the appropriate number of capsules to be taken each day. Dispense to the patient, making sure each container lists the strength (mg) per capsule and that he or she understands to take the appropriate number of capsules of TEMODAR from each bottle or vial to equal the total daily dose prescribed by the physician.

How can TEMODAR be ordered?

TEMODAR can be ordered from your wholesaler. It is important to understand if TEMODAR is being used as part of a 42-day regimen or as part of a 5-day course. Remember to order enough TEMODAR for the appropriate cycle.

For example:

• a 5-day course of 360 mg/day would require the following to be ordered: two 5-count packages of 180-mg capsules.
• a 42-day course of 140 mg/day would require the following to be ordered: three 14-count packages of 140-mg capsules.

For examples of other dosing regimens, please refer to the full Prescribing Information (Table 10)

Manufactured by: Schering Corporation, a subsidiary of {corporate logo}MERCK& CO., INC., Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889 USA

Copyright© 2005 Schering Corporation, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved.
U.S. Patent No. 5,260,291.
33276915T
Rev. 4/10