Type of medicine: antineoplastic; anticancer; chemotherapy
Generic and brand names: mitomycin, injection; Mitozytrex; Mutamycin
This medicine is a type of antibiotic that is only used in cancer chemotherapy. It is given by injection (shots) to treat certain types of cancer of the stomach or pancreas. This medicine may be also be used to treat other types of cancer. It is most often used along with other anticancer drugs. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
This medicine may make you sterile (unable to have children) whether you are a man or a woman. If you plan to have children someday, talk with your healthcare provider before you start treatment.
Females of childbearing age: This medicine is usually not given during pregnancy because it can harm the baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Talk to your healthcare provider about this. Contact your healthcare provider if you become pregnant during treatment. Do not breast-feed while receiving this medicine.
Males and females: Use a reliable method of birth control while receiving this medicine.
These shots are given by your healthcare provider every 6 to 8 weeks. If you experience any pain or swelling during the infusion, tell your healthcare provider right away.
You will need to have lab tests regularly. This medicine may affect your bone marrow and kidneys. Keep all appointments for shots and tests.
This medicine can affect sperm and menstrual cycles. It can cause birth defects. Both men and women must use effective birth control during treatment and for a while after you stop treatment. Ask your healthcare provider how long you should wait to have children after you have stopped having this treatment.
This medicine may decrease the number of blood cells produced by your bone marrow, causing you to bruise or bleed more easily. You will need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.
This medicine may cause kidney damage. Talk with your provider about this.
This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or blur your vision. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert and can see clearly.
Hair loss can occur during treatment. The hair will grow back when treatment is stopped.
This medicine may make your mouth sore. Use a soft bristle brush or mouth swab to brush your teeth.
Do not drink alcohol or take aspirin while receiving this medicine. It may increase the risk of bleeding. Report any unusual bleeding or bruising to your healthcare provider.
You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Sore throat, fever, unusual bruising or bleeding, unusual tiredness or weakness, shortness of breath, mouth or lip sores, difficult or painful urination, severe nausea or vomiting, chills, cough, rash, swelling of hands or feet, bloody urine.
Other: Loss of appetite, headache, blurred vision, confusion, feeling faint, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, thinned or brittle hair, itching, numbness or tingling in hands and feet.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Do not drink alcohol while being treated with this medicine.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
