Torisel

Generic name:temsirolimus [ TEM-sir-OH-li-mus ]
Drug class:MTOR inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Apr 21, 2022.

What is Torisel?

Torisel is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

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

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

Warnings

You should not use Torisel if you are allergic to temsirolimus or if you have severe liver disease. Do not use Torisel if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication and for at least 3 months after your treatment ends.

Before you receive Torisel, 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.

There are many other drugs that can interact with Torisel. 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.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Torisel if you have severe liver disease.

To make sure Torisel is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;

• kidney disease;

• high cholesterol or triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood);

• diabetes;

• a head injury or brain tumor; or

• an allergy to temsirolimus or sirolimus (Rapamune).

Both men and women using this medicine should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Temsirolimus can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects if the mother or father is using this medicine.

Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose of Torisel. Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using Torisel.

This medicine may affect...