Mitomycin (By injection)
mye-toe-MYE-sin
Usually used with other medicines to treat stomach cancer, pancreas cancer, and other kinds of cancer.
Drug classes
Antibiotic, Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Mitomycin belongs to the group of medicines known as antineoplastics. It is used to treat some kinds of cancer.
Mitomycin interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by mitomycin, other effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects, like hair loss, may not be serious but may cause concern. Some effects may not occur for months or years after the medicine is used.
Before you begin treatment with mitomycin, you and your doctor should talk about the good this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it.
Mitomycin is to be administered only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
This medicine, like all medicines used to treat cancer, is very strong. Make sure you understand why you are getting it and what the risks and benefits of treatment are. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor.
Your doctor will decide how much medicine you should have and when it will be given.
Your medicine will be given through a tube put in one of your veins, usually in your arm, wrist, or hand and sometimes in your chest. This is called intravenous (in-tra-VEEN-us), or IV.
A nurse or other caregiver trained to give cancer drugs will give your treatment.
If a dose is missed:
This medicine needs to be given on a regular schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or the clinic where you have your treatments for instructions.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
If you have your treatments at a clinic, the staff at the clinic will keep your medicine there.
If you have your treatments at home, you may need to store your medicine. Keep the medicine away from heat and light. You may keep the IV liquid in the refrigerator for 14 days. If the liquid is kept at room temperature, it is good for 7 days.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
If you have your treatments at home, you should be given a special container for the used needles, medicine bag or bottles, and tubes. Put it where children or pets cannot reach it.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
You should not use aspirin or any product that has aspirin it (such as some cold medicines) unless you have talked to your doctor.
Talk to your doctor before getting any vaccines (such as flu shots).
When Not To Use
You should not be given this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to mitomycin or if you have a bleeding or blood-clotting problem.
Warnings
Do not breastfeed while you are being given this medicine.
If you start to have pain, redness, or swelling on the area of your skin where the IV is given, tell your nurse or caregiver right away.
You may get infections more easily while getting this medicine. Stay away from crowds or people with colds, flu, or other infections.
This medicine can cause nausea and vomiting. Your doctor may prescribe medicine to keep you from feeling sick and throwing up. If the medicine does not help (you can’t keep liquids down), call your doctor.
This medicine may make your mouth sore and irritated. Keep your mouth clean to prevent infections. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush or mouth swab. Try to eat soft foods, and avoid eating salty foods.
Do not get pregnant while you or your sexual partner are receiving mitomycin. Use an effective form of birth control while you are being treated with this medicine.
If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before you start your treatments.
Some cancer drugs may make you sterile (unable to have children), whether you are a man or woman. If you plan to have children someday, talk with your doctor before you start your treatments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Pain, redness, or swelling where the IV is given
Decrease in urine (urinating less than one cup daily)
Trouble breathing, swelling feet and ankles
Painful mouth sores that keep you from drinking liquids
Hives, rash, or severe itching
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Stomach cramps
Hair loss
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Mutamycin, Novaplus mitoMYcin
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
