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This medication is used to treat cancer of the ovaries or lungs when other treatments have not been successful. It is also used with another medication (cisplatin) to treat cancer of the cervix.
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Topotecan
Uses
This medication is used to treat cancer of the ovaries or lungs when other treatments have not been successful. It is also used with another medication (cisplatin) to treat cancer of the cervix.
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., complete blood count, ANC, kidney/liver function) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
- Consult your doctor for more details.
Storage
- Store unopened vials at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
- Once topotecan is mixed, it is stable for 24 hours if stored between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C).
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Overdose
- Symptoms of overdose may include: signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat, fever), easy bruising/bleeding, unusual tiredness, fast/pounding heartbeat.
How To Use
- This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional.
- Learn all preparation and usage instructions for this product.
- Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with the correct IV fluid.
- The mixed solution should appear yellow to yellow-green.
- Before using this product, check it visually for particles or discoloration.
- If either is present, do not use the liquid.
- If you have questions about the use of this medication, consult the doctor or pharmacist.The dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, laboratory tests, and response to treatment.Store and discard all needles and medical supplies safely.
- If this medication comes into contact with your skin, wash the skin immediately and completely with soap and water.
- If this medication gets into your eyes, mouth, or nose, flush completely with plenty of water.
- Consult your doctor for more information.
Side Effects
- See also Warning section.Weakness, tiredness, headache, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and mouth sores may occur.
- Nausea and vomiting can be severe.
- In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting.
- Eating several small meals, not eating before treatment, or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects.
- If these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Temporary hair loss may occur.
- Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: pain/redness/bruising at injection site, numbness/tingling of the arms/legs, shortness of breath.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
- However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before using topotecan, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
- Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain immune system problem (neutropenia).Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood/bone marrow disorders (e.g., low platelet/white blood cell/red blood cell levels), kidney disease, liver disease.This drug may make you weak and/or tired.
- Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness.
- Limit alcoholic beverages.Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections.Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose.To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured, use caution with sharp objects like safety razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.Kidney function declines as you grow older.
- This medication is removed by the kidneys.
- Therefore, elderly people may be at greater risk for side effects while using this drug.This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
- It may harm an unborn baby.
- Therefore, it is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication.
- Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss using at least 2 reliable forms of birth control (e.g., condoms, birth control pills) while taking this medication.
- If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk.
- Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
- For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each dose of this medication as scheduled.
- If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.
Drug Interactions
- Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: phenytoin.Avoid eating foods or taking products containing tumeric (curcumin) while being treated with topotecan.
- It may decrease this medication's effects.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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