Topotecan (By injection)

toe-poe-TEE-kan

Treats cancer of the ovary, lungs, and cervix.

Drug classes

Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Topotecan injection is used to treat patients with metastatic cancer (a cancer that has already spread) of the ovaries after other treatments have failed. This medicine is also used to treat a certain type of lung cancer called small cell lung cancer. It is also used in combination with cisplatin to treat cancer of the cervix which cannot be treated with surgery or radiation therapy.

Topotecan belongs to the group of medicines called antineoplastics. It interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal cells may also be affected by the medicine, other effects may 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 occur after treatment with topotecan has been stopped.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, topotecan is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:

Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML).

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Injectable

You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.

Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to topotecan, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Warnings

This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Women must use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 1 month after the last dose. Men must use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose.

This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.

Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, lung disease, blood or bone marrow problems, or any type of infection.

Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

This medicine may cause the following problems:

Neutropenic enterocolitis (a bowel problem that can be life-threatening) Lung problems

This medicine may make you weak or tired. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

Cancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches

Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed

Severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain

Trouble breathing

Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Mild nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

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

Hycamtin, Novaplus Topotecan Hydrochloride, PremierPro Rx Topotecan Hydrochloride

There may be other brand names for this medicine.