Temsirolimus: how to take it safely
Torisel
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats advanced kidney cancer.
How to take it
It is given by a cancer nurse or doctor, by drip into a vein. Your blood tests are checked before each cycle.
When to take it
Given once a week by drip into a vein, by a cancer nurse or doctor.
Take it with
Not applicable.
What to avoid
- Tell your team if you have diabetes, high blood fats or liver problems.
- Grapefruit juice.
- Live vaccines.
- Pregnancy and fathering a child during treatment. Use reliable contraception and ask your team how long to continue it.
- Live vaccines unless your cancer team says so.
- Contact with people who have infections such as chickenpox or flu.
- Alcohol, unless your team says it is safe.
Possible side effects
Mouth sores, rash, tiredness, high blood sugar and fats, swelling, infections.
Get help if
Breathlessness or cough, fever, signs of infection, severe mouth sores or a reaction (wheezing, flushing) during the drip: get urgent help.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.