Cancer Channel
Topics
Medications
Quicklinks
Related Channels
Temsirolimus
Available by prescription only, temsirolimus is a drug used to treat advanced renal cell cancer (kidney cancer). It comes as an injection that is administered intravenously by your healthcare provider once a week. Although this can be an effective medicine, it may not be suitable for some people who are taking certain medications or who have certain medical conditions.
Temsirolimus (Torisel®) is a prescription medication approved to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer). It belongs to a group of medicines known as kinase inhibitors.
(Click What Is Temsirolimus Used For? for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
Just like any medicine, temsirolimus may cause side effects. However, not everyone who receives the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well.
If reactions do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of temsirolimus include but are not limited to:
- A rash
- Weakness or lack of energy
- Mouth sores
- Nausea
- Swelling of the body (edema)
- Loss of appetite.
(Click Temsirolimus Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH, BCPP
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD



