 Receiving temsirolimus (Torisel)
Dear Patient,
Your health care provider has prescribed temsirolimus, an anticancer medication, to treat your advanced renal cell carcinoma. This medication inhibits the activity of an enzyme that controls cell division leading to a stop in tumor growth. The brand name of this medication is Torisel.
How you'll receive Torisel
You'll receive Torisel by I.V. over 30 to 60 minutes once a week, as long as the medication is effective. You'll receive an antihistamine before the infusion is started.
What to do if you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, contact your health care provider about setting up a new dosing schedule.
What to do about side effects
Notify your health care provider if you experience side effects to this medication.
Common: headache, GI upset, cough, excessive thirst, frequent urination, rash, glucose intolerance, sore mouth, swelling, weakness.
Less common: abdominal pain, blood in your stool, renal failure, allergic reaction.
What you must know about other medications
There are many medications that could interact with this medication. Tell all of your health care providers that you're taking this medication so appropriate precautions and dosage adjustments can be made.
Special directions
- Don't use St. John’s wort or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication; serious adverse effects could occur.
- Mark your calendar with the weekly dates for your I.V. infusion.
- This medication may increase your blood sugar, resulting in a need for antidiabetic medication or insulin. Notify your health care provider if you experience excessive thirst or increased urination.
- You may be more susceptible to infections while taking this medication; avoid crowded areas and people you know who might be sick.
- If you have any wounds, they may not heal as well as usual. Consult your health care provider if you have had a recent injury or have recently undergone surgery.
- You may have an increase in lipid levels and cholesterol and may need to take lipid lowering medication while you're taking this medication.
Keep in mind
- You'll need to have regular blood tests to evaluate your body’s response to the medication.
- This medication could harm an unborn baby. You should use barrier contraceptives while you're taking this medication and for 3 months following therapy (this includes males who have a partner of childbearing age).
- It isn't known how this medication could affect a baby. If you're breast-feeding, consult your health care provider.
- Report increased thirst, increased urination, new or worsening abdominal pain, bloody stools, infection, fever, difficulty breathing, severe headache.
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