Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer)
Generic and brand names: thiotepa, injection; TESPA; TSPA; triethylenethiophosphoramide
This medicine is given by injection (shots) to treat breast, ovarian, and urinary bladder cancer. It may also be used for Hodgkin's disease and other forms of cancer.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Also tell your provider if you have recently had any kind of infection or if you are taking radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
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 not usually given to pregnant women because it can harm the baby. If you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. Do not become pregnant during treatment with this medicine. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while you are receiving this medicine.
These shots are given by your healthcare provider every 1 to 4 weeks. Keep all your appointments for injections.
You will need frequent blood tests during this treatment to find out how the medicine affects you. Keep all your appointments for blood tests.
This medicine may cause birth defects. Males and females should use birth control while receiving this medicine and for at least 12 weeks after treatment is complete.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.
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 your healthcare provider's approval.
This medicine may make your mouth sore. Use a soft bristle brush or mouth swab to brush your teeth.
Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine. Do not take aspirin without asking your healthcare provider first. Aspirin may increase the risk of bleeding.
This medicine may cause nausea and vomiting. Your healthcare provider may give you medicine to help with this side effect. Contact your healthcare provider if the medicine does not help, and you continue to feel sick and throw up.
This medicine may make you dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
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; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Unexplained fever, sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, nausea and vomiting that you cannot control, severe joint pain, numbness or tingling.
Other: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, headache, pain where the shot was given, dizziness, tiredness, hair loss, irregular periods or no periods.
No significant interactions with this medicine have been reported.
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.
