Generic Name: topotecan (toh poh TEE kan)
Brand Names: Hycamtin
What is the most important information I should know about topotecan?
Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Topotecan can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with topotecan, and avoid coming into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus could be passed on to you.
Call your doctor at once if you have fever, chills,
body aches, flu symptoms, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips, or other signs of infection.
What is topotecan?
Topotecan is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
Topotecan is used to treat ovarian cancer, small cell lung cancer, and certain types of cervical cancer.
Topotecan may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving topotecan?
You should not receive topotecan if you have:
Before receiving topotecan, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. You may not be able to receive topotecan, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not receive topotecan without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether topotecan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How is topotecan given?
This medication is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 30 minutes to complete.
Tell your doctor right away if any of this medicine gets on your skin during the injection. If this does happen, the exposed skin should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Topotecan is usually given once daily for 5 days in a row. This treatment is then repeated every 21 days, usually for at least 4 treatments. It may take several weeks for your body to respond to the medication.
Topotecan can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Contact your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your topotecan injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.
Symptoms of a topotecan overdose may include bone marrow depression (fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores or white patches in your mouth, or other signs of infection).
What should I avoid while receiving topotecan?
Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with topotecan, and avoid coming into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus could be passed on to you.
Topotecan can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
What are the possible side effects of topotecan?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives;
difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
bruising or swelling where the medicine was injected;
tired feeling;
headache, body pain, joint or muscle pain;
mild skin rash;
loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain; or
temporary hair loss.
Other side effects have also been reported. Discuss with your doctor any side effect that occurs during treatment with topotecan.
What other drugs will affect topotecan?
There may be other drugs that can affect topotecan. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
