Torisel (generic name: temsirolimus) is a chemotherapy medication used to treat renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer). According to Drugs.com, it slows the progression of cancer cell growth and prevents metastasis. Torisel is a medication given through intravenous infusion at a medical center. Typically, a Torisel infusion treatment can take 1 hour to complete. Your doctor will decide your chemotherapy treatment schedule based on the severity of your kidney cancer.
Prevalent Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, prevalent side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, tachycardia (fast heartbeat) and acne. Torisel can also cause headaches, weakness, weight loss, poor appetite and fatigue. Torisel can also cause pain in your back, muscle or joints. Mouth sores, frequent urination, bloody nose, bloody urine and trouble sleeping are also common. Chemotherapy is a toxic substance, so such side effects are expected. Report these symptoms to your doctor, and she can help treat your individual symptoms.
Harmful Side Effects
Drugs.com states that Torisel's harmful side effects include chest pain, weight gain, swelling, fever and intense stomach pain. It may also cause shortness of breath, a cough, weakness and easy bruising or bleeding. Torisel can make you extremely hungry and thirsty and cause you to urinate frequently. Other harmful side effects include confusion, drowsiness and paleness. MedlinePlus states that you may have bloody stools, faint or breathe rapidly. Call your doctor at once if you experience these symptoms.
Contraindications
You should avoid Torisel if you are pregnant, according to Drugs.com. It can potentially harm your unborn child.
Do not take Torisel if you are allergic to its components. Potentially life-threatening side effects include trouble breathing and swelling of your face, tongue and throat.
Avoid taking Torisel with blood-thinner medications such as warfarin, HIV/AIDS medications, such as indinavir, antifungal medications, such as ketoconazole, and anti-seizure drugs such as carbamazepine, according to Drugs.com. Combining these drugs can cause serious drug interactions and cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, the interaction may make Torisel less effective.
Other Side Effects
Torisel can decrease your white blood cells, which are are responsible for fighting infection. Therefore, this medication makes you susceptible to all sorts of infections. The common cold and the flu may pose dangerous health risks when your immune system is lowered.
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