New chemo dad is on

[msjenfa]

Anyone know anything about Topotecan?

[RandyW]

This is the best I can do for you. No personal experience though sorry.

GENERIC NAME: TOPOTECAN - INJECTION (toe-poh-TEE-kan)

BRAND NAME(S): Hycamtin

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: Topotecan may cause severe (sometimes fatal) blood disorders (e.g., bone marrow suppression, neutropenia). Bone marrow suppression decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Immediately notify your doctor if you have symptoms of an infection (persistent sore throat or fever), easy bruising or bleeding, or unusual fatigue. Topotecan should only be used under close medical supervision. Monitoring and laboratory tests (e.g., blood cell counts) will need to be performed.

USES: Topotecan is used to treat cancer.

HOW TO USE: Use this medication exactly as prescribed. This drug is given by vein (IV), over 30 minutes daily, generally for 5 consecutive days followed by a rest period. This course of treatment is then repeated at least 3 more times or as directed. Make sure needles and any medical supplies are stored safely and disposed of properly.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, unusual fatigue, headache, swelling or soreness of the mouth or tongue and stomach pain are common side effects. Temporary hair loss is another common side effect; normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended. If these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor promptly. Report promptly: numbness or tingling, trouble breathing, persistent sore throat or fever, unusual bleeding or bruising. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience: any pain/burning or redness at the place where injected. Unlikely but report promptly yellowing eyes and skin or dark urine. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, including: kidney disease, blood disorders (bone marrow disease): any allergies. This drug may make you weak or very tired; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness like driving or using machinery. This medication can lower your body's ability to fight an infection. Avoid touching your eyes or inside your nose without first washing your hands. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine. Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports in order to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured.. If this medication touches your skin, wash the skin immediately and completely with soap and water. If this medication touches the inside of your mouth or nose, flush completely with water. This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this drug. It is unknown whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription drugs you may use, especially: blood cell stimulators (G-CSF), other cancer drugs (such as cisplatin). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor for side effects or response to treatment.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist to establish a new dosing schedule.

STORAGE: Store unopened vials at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) away from light. Drug diluted and ready for infusion must be used within 24 hours of mixing and can be stored at room temperature up to 77 degrees F (25 degrees C).

Last Editorial Review: 3/2/2005