Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer)
Generic and brand names: topotecan hydrochloride, injection; Hycamtin
This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a vein) to treat cancer of the cervix, ovaries, or small cell lung cancer when other treatment has failed. It may also be used to treat other types 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.
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.
Your healthcare provider will give you these infusions during each of the first 5 days of a 21-day period (a treatment course). Four or more courses of treatment may be necessary. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe injections of another medicine while you are receiving this medicine. Keep all appointments for injections.
You will need to have blood tests frequently to check on how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for blood tests.
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.
This medicine may cause nausea and vomiting. Your healthcare provider may give you medicine to help with this side effect. Contact your provider if you continue to feel sick and throw up.
This medicine may make your mouth sore. Use a soft bristle brush or mouth swab to brush your teeth.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking 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; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): High fever, severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, unusual bruising or bleeding, numbness or tingling in hands or feet, shortness of breath, cough, unusual weakness or extreme tiredness.
Other: Headache, stomach pain, constipation, hair loss, loss of appetite, muscle or joint pain, white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips.
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:
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.
