What is Torisel? Uses, warnings & side effects

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Feb 14, 2024

Torisel is a drug that is used in the treatment of kidney cancer. Temsirolimus is the generic name for Torisel. The average Torisel price is about $1,855 for a supply of 1 milliliter, 25 mg/mL Intravenous solution. You can use our SingleCare savings offer to get a Torisel discount of up to 80% off of the retail price at participating pharmacies near you.

Torisel overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • temsirolimus, Torisel

Generic Names:

  • Torisel

Uses:

  • Treats advanced kidney cancer.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antineoplastic Agent

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Torisel used for?

Torisel is an intravenous solution that is prescribed to both adults and children to reduce the growth of cancer cells in the kidney.

What form(s) does Torisel come in?

  • Injectable

What are common Torisel dosages?

  • Vial 1ml of 25mg/ml

Torisel images - What does Torisel look like?

  • Torisel
    1ml of 25mg/ml vial

How to take Torisel

  • Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein. The medicine must be injected slowly, so your IV will need to stay in place for at least 30 minutes.

  • You will receive an allergy medicine (eg, diphenhydramine, Benadryl®) 30 minutes before receiving the injection.

  • Injection routeYou will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

  • Missed dose: Injection routeThis medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

What to do if you miss a dose of Torisel

Torisel contraindications - Who shouldn't take Torisel?

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not receive it if you are pregnant or have severe liver disease.

Torisel warnings

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Infusion reactionHigh blood sugarHigh cholesterol in the bloodIncreased risk of infections, including pneumoniaInterstitial lung disease (serious lung problem)Bowel perforation (a hole in the bowel)Increased risk of bleeding in the brainKidney disease (including kidney failure, proteinuria, nephrotic syndrome) that is not related to your kidney cancer

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may cause slow wound healing. You may need to stop taking it before you have surgery.

  • Injection routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

  • Injection routeThis medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Swelling in your face, hands, or feet

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, lung or breathing problems, a bleeding disorder, a brain tumor, diabetes, high cholesterol, or any type of infection. Tell your doctor if you had an allergic reaction to temsirolimus, sirolimus, or polysorbate 80 (a preservative).

  • Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine and for 3 weeks after the last dose.

  • Injection routeThis medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Women should use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 3 months after your last dose. Male patients with female partners should use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose.

Torisel interactions & what to avoid when taking Torisel

  • This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

  • Some medicines can affect how temsirolimus works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Atazanavir, carbamazepine, clarithromycin, dexamethasone, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifabutin, rifampicin, rifampin, ritonavir, saquinavir, St John's wort, sunitinib, telithromycin, voriconazoleBlood pressure medicine (including amlodipine, ramipril)Blood thinner (including warfarin)

  • Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Injection routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

  • This medicine may affect the way your body heals from cuts and wounds. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine before and after you have surgery.

Torisel side effects - How does Torisel make you feel?

Serious Side Effects

  • Swelling in your face, hands, or feet

  • Increased hunger or thirst

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate, painful urination, cloudy or bloody urine

  • Chest pain, trouble breathing

  • Fever, chills, cough, lightheadedness

  • Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat

  • Severe stomach pain, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, red or black stools

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed

  • Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting

  • Change in taste, loss of appetite

  • Back or joint pain

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