What is topotecan?
Topotecan is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in
the body.
Topotecan is used to treat ovarian cancer, small cell lung cancer, and certain types of cervical
cancer.
Topotecan may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking topotecan?
You should not use topotecan if you have:
Before using topotecan, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. You
may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication.
FDA pregnancy category D.
Do not use topotecan
without telling your
doctor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your
doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether topotecan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing
baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take topotecan?
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for
longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Topotecan is usually given once daily for 5 days in a row. This treatment is then repeated
every 21 days, usually for at least 4 treatments. It may take several weeks for your body to respond to
the medication.
Topotecan
capsules
are taken by mouth. You may need to take two
different colored capsules at one time. Make sure you know the difference between capsules because
one contains 4 times as much topotecan as the other, even though they may look the same in size.
Take the topotecan capsule with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. You may take the
medicine with or without food.
If you vomit after taking a topotecan capsule, do not take another dose that same day. Call
your doctor for instructions.
Do not crush or break a topotecan capsule, or use a capsule that has been accidentally
broken. The medicine from a broken capsule can be dangerous if it gets in your eyes or on your skin.
If contact does occur, wash the area with soap and water, or rinse the eyes for at least 15 minutes with
plain water. If you must handle a broken capsule, ask your doctor or pharmacist how to safely dispose
of it.
Store topotecan capsules in the refrigerator and protect them from light.
Topotecan
injection
is given through a needle placed into a vein. You will
receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV
infusion, and can take up to 30 minutes to complete.
Tell your doctor right away if any of this medicine gets on your skin during the injection. If this
does happen, the exposed skin should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Topotecan can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it
easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your
blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any
scheduled appointments.
What happens if I miss a dose of topotecan?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss any of your topotecan doses.
Where can I get more information about topotecan?
Your pharmacist has information about topotecan written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of topotecan?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
-
diarrhea with fever and stomach cramps;
-
pain or burning when you urinate;
-
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
-
white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips; or
-
skin changes or severe irritation where the needle is placed.
Less serious side effects may include:
-
bruising or swelling where the medicine was injected;
-
tired feeling;
-
headache, body pain, joint or muscle pain;
-
mild skin rash;
-
nausea, diarrhea, vomiting; or
-
temporary hair loss.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about topotecan?
Do not
use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant.
It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if
you become pregnant during treatment.
Topotecan can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it
easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your
blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any
scheduled appointments.
Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your
doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with topotecan, and avoid coming
into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus
could be passed on to you.
Call your doctor at once if you have fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, pale skin, easy
bruising or bleeding, severe diarrhea with fever or stomach pain, unusual weakness, white patches or
sores inside your mouth or on your lips, or other signs of infection.
What should I avoid while taking topotecan?
Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your
doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with topotecan, and avoid coming
into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus
could be passed on to you.
Topotecan can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if
you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
What other drugs will affect topotecan?
Before using topotecan, tell your doctor if you also use cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral,
Sandimmune).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with topotecan. Tell
your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes
vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new
medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of topotecan?