Hycamtin 0.25 mg Capsules

HYCAMTIN 0.25 mg CAPSULES

Hycamtin is an anti-cancer (“antineoplastic” or “cytotoxic”) chemotherapy drug. This medication is classified as an “topoisomerase 1 inhibitor.”

NOVARTIS TOPOTECAN USES :

Hycamtin Topotecan is used for treating certain types of ovarian or lung cancer that do not respond well to other types of cancer treatment. It may be used to treat certain types of cervical cancer that cannot be treated by surgery or radiation therapy. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. It works by killing certain cancer cells.

TOPOTECAN COMMON SIDE EFFECTS :

Constipation; diarrhea; fatigue; hair loss; loss of appetite; nausea; stomach pain; tiredness; vomiting; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur : Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blue or unusually pale skin or nails; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; painful or burning urination; persistent or severe cough; persistent or severe pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site; persistent or severe stomach pain or cramps; persistent or severe tiredness or weakness; shortness of breath; unusual or unexplained bruising or bleeding; yellowing of the eyes or skin.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice any other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HYCAMTIN CAPSULES SAFETY INFORMATION :

    Topotecan may cause tiredness or weakness during treatment and for several days after treatment. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use topotecan with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
    Topotecan may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. Avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have dark, tarry, or bloody stools.
    Some patients taking topotecan have developed severe and sometimes fatal lung problems. The risk may be greater if you have a history of certain lung problems or if your chest area has been exposed to radiation. It may also be greater if you take certain other medicines. Tell your doctor right away if you develop a cough, fever, shortness of breath, blue or unusually pale skin or nails, or chest pain.
    If nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite occurs, ask your doctor or pharmacist for ways to lessen these effects.
    Do not receive a live vaccine (eg, measles, mumps) while you are taking topotecan. Talk with your doctor before you receive any vaccine.
    Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts, may be performed while you use topotecan. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
    PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Do not use topotecan if you are pregnant. It may cause harm to the fetus. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. It is not known if this medicine is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking topotecan.

STORAGE AND HANDLING OF TOPOTECAN 0.25 mg:

Store refrigerated 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Keep medicines away from children and pets.

HYCAMTIN TOPOTECAN CAPSULES DRUG INTERACTIONS :

Some medicine may interact with Topotecan. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

 Medicines that may harm the lungs (eg, certain antiarrhythmics, certain antibiotics, amphotericin B, certain cancer drugs) because the risk of serious lung problems may be increased. Ask your doctor if you are unsure if any of your medicines might harm the lungs .
Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) because they may decrease topotecan’s effectiveness
Live vaccines (eg, measles, mumps) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by topotecan

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.