Health Center

Hematology-Oncology Medical Group of the San Fernando Valley

Chemotherapy Drugs

Mitomycin injection

What does mitomycin injection do?

MITOMYCIN (Mutamycin®) is a type of chemotherapy for treating cancer. Mitomycin is an antibiotic that interferes with cell

growth and eventually causes cell death. It is effective for treating cancer of the stomach, breast, pancreas, colon, lung, liver, head,

and neck. Generic mitomycin injections are available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive mitomycin?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

·anemia

·bleeding problems

·blood disorders

·having intramuscular injections

·infection (bacterial, viral or fungal)

·kidney disease

·lung disease

·an unusual or allergic reaction to mitomycin, other chemotherapy agents, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

·pregnant or trying to get pregnant

·breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Mitomycin is for injection into a vein. It is usually given in a hospital or clinic setting by a trained health care professional. Repeat

doses may be given at 6 to 8 week intervals.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss a dose. Let your prescriber or health care professional know if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What other medicines can interact with mitomycin?

·carbamazepine

·chloramphenicol

·clozapine

·medicines that suppress your immune function

·live virus vaccines

·medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances

·zidovudine, ZDV

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.

What side effects may I notice from receiving mitomycin?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

·black tarry stools

·blood in the urine

·difficulty breathing

·fever or chills, cough or sore throat

·lower back pain

·pain or difficulty passing urine

·pain, redness, swelling or irritation at the injection site

·reduced amount of urine passed

·stomach pain

·swelling of the feet or ankles

·unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin

·unusual tiredness or weakness

·vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are

bothersome):

·hair loss

·loss of appetite

·nail discoloration

·nausea

·mouth sores or ulcers

What do I need to watch for while I receive mitomycin?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood checks.

Mitomycin may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon because mitomycin 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.

Mitomycin 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.

While you are taking mitomycin 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.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are receiving mitomycin.

Drink several glasses of water a day. This will help to reduce possible kidney or bladder problems.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

After mixing the injection solution, use within seven days if stored at room temperature, approximately 25 degreesC (77 degreesF);

or within fourteen days if stored in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degreesC (36 and 46 degreesF). Follow manufacturer's advice on

storage of further diluted solutions. 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.