Temsirolimus is used to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC, a type of cancer that begins in the kidney). Temsirolimus is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of the abnormal protein that tells the cancer cells to multiply. This may help slow the growth of tumors.
Temsirolimus comes as a solution (liquid) to be given by infusion (slow injection into a vein) over 30 to 60 minutes. It is usually given by a doctor or nurse in a doctor's office or infusion center. Temsirolimus is usually given once every week.
You may experience symptoms such as hives, rash, itching, difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the face, flushing, or chest pain. Tell your doctor or other healthcare provider if you experience these symptoms while you are receiving temsirolimus. Your doctor may prescribe other medications to help prevent or relieve these symptoms. Your doctor will probably give you these medications before you receive each dose of temsirolimus.
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
If you miss an appointment to receive a dose of temsirolimus, call your doctor right away.
weakness
swelling of the eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
headache
itchy, watery, or red eye(s)
change in the way things taste
swelling, redness, pain, or sores inside the mouth or throat
loss of appetite
weight loss
nausea
vomiting
constipation
frequent need to urinate
pain or burning during urination
blood in the urine
back pain
muscle or joint pain
bloody nose
changes in fingernails or toenails
dry skin
pale skin
excessive tiredness
fast heart beat
acne
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
depression
hives
rash
itching
difficulty breathing or swallowing
flushing
chest pain
shortness of breath
fast breathing or panting
leg pain, swelling, tenderness, redness, or warmth
extreme thirst
extreme hunger
fever, sore throat, chills, cough, and other signs of infection
fainting
new or worsening abdominal pain
diarrhea
red blood in stools
decrease in amount of urine
blurred vision
slow or difficult speech
confusion
dizziness or faintness
weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
Temsirolimus may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
This medication will be stored at your doctor's office or clinic.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
seizure
hallucinating (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
difficulty thinking clearly, understanding reality, or using good judgment
cough
shortness of breath
fever
new or worsening abdominal pain
panting or fast breathing
red blood in stools
diarrhea
leg pain, swelling, tenderness, redness, or warmth
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to temsirolimus.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about your treatment with temsirolimus.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Reviewed - 09/01/2010
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.