Health Center
TOPOTECAN (Hycamtin®) is a type of chemotherapy for treating cancer. Topotecan interferes with the growth of cancer cells. It
is used for treating cancer of the ovary and sometimes for other cancers as well. Generic topotecan injections are not available.
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
·blood disorders
·dehydration
·dental disease
·diarrhea
·infection (especially virus infection such as chickenpox or herpes)
·kidney disease
·recent radiation therapy
·an unusual or allergic reaction to topotecan, other chemotherapy, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
·pregnant or trying to get pregnant
·breast-feeding
Topotecan is for infusion into a vein. It is usually administered in a hospital or clinic setting by a health care professional.
It is important not to miss a dose if you require regular therapy. Let your prescriber or health care professional know if you are
unable to keep an appointment.
·filgrastim, G-CSF, Neupogen®
·live virus vaccines
·sargramostim, GM-CSF, Leukine®
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines,
nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks
with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your
health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
·diarrhea
·difficulty breathing
·fever or chills, cough or sore throat
·mouth sores
·nausea, vomiting
·pain, swelling, redness or irritation at the injection site
·stomach pain
·unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin
·unusual tiredness or weakness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are
bothersome):
·constipation
·hair loss
·headache
·joint pain
·loss of appetite
·tingling, or numbness in the hands and feet
·skin rash, itching
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood checks. The side
effects of topotecan can continue after you finish your treatment; report side effects promptly.
Topotecan may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon because topotecan affects good cells as well as cancer cells.
Report any side effects as above, but continue your course of medicine even though you feel ill, unless your prescriber or health
care professional tells you to stop.
While you are using topotecan you will be more susceptible to infection. Try to avoid people with colds, flu, and bronchitis. Do not
have any vaccinations without your prescriber's approval and avoid anyone who has recently had oral polio vaccine.
Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat. Do not treat yourself.
Topotecan can cause blood problems. This can mean slow healing and a risk of infection. Try to avoid cutting or injuring yourself.
Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums
when you brush or floss your teeth.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are using topotecan.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at controlled room temperature between 20 and 25 degreesC (68 and 77 degreesF). Protect from light. Throw away any
unused injection solution.
NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you
have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.
[ Revised 1/1/95]
This information was obtained from Clinical Pharmacology 2000 . For more information about this drug or about any other drug, click here.