Medications and Drugs

Brand Names: Torisel

Generic Name: temsirolimus (Pronunciation: TEM sir OH li mus)

• What is temsirolimus (Torisel)?
• What are the possible side effects of temsirolimus (Torisel)?
• What is the most important information I should know about temsirolimus (Torisel)?
• What should I discuss with my doctor before receiving temsirolimus (Torisel)?
• How is temsirolimus given (Torisel)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Torisel)?
• What happens if I overdose (Torisel)?
• What should I avoid while receiving temsirolimus (Torisel)?
• What other drugs will affect temsirolimus (Torisel)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is temsirolimus (Torisel)?

Temsirolimus is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Temsirolimus is used to treat cancer of the kidneys, also called renal cell carcinoma.

Temsirolimus may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of temsirolimus (Torisel)?

Some people receiving a temsirolimus injection have had a reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein). Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, warm, tingly, light-headed, short of breath, or have chest pain or trouble breathing during the injection.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat;
• chest pain, dry cough, wheezing, feeling short of breath;
• severe stomach pain, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• loss of movement on one side of your body;
• drowsiness, confusion, mood changes, swelling, rapid weight gain;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• pain or burning when you urinate;
• pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
• any wound that will not heal; or
• high blood sugar (increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss).

Less serious side effects include mild skin rash

• acne, dry skin, mild itching or rash;
• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
• diarrhea, constipation;
• hair loss;
• headache, dizziness, problems with coordination;
• muscle or joint pain, back pain;
• pain, warmth, swelling, redness, itching, or irritation around the IV needle.
• runny or stuffy nose, sinus pain;
• depression, memory problems, sleep problems (insomnia), feeling weak or tired;
• decreased sense of taste; or

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about temsirolimus (Torisel)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to temsirolimus or if you have severe liver disease.

If a man fathers a child while using this medication, the baby may have birth defects. Use a condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment. Continue using condoms for at least 3 months after you stop using temsirolimus.

Before you receive temsirolimus, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, an allergy to sirolimus (Rapamune), or a history of head injury, stroke, or brain tumor.

Temsirolimus can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. Your blood may need to be tested often. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Do not receive a live vaccine. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

There are many other drugs that can interact with temsirolimus. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.

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