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Generic Names:
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Thiotepa is a drug which is used to treat a number of different kinds of
cancer. It is a clear solution that is given by injection into muscle,
under the skin, into a vein, into the bladder or into other body cavities.
EARLY SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea and vomiting occur rarely after administration
of thiotepa by any route. However, if it is a problem for you, the
physician can give you a prescription for antinausea medication, which
should be taken as directed. Antinausea medication is more effective when
used to prevent nausea, than when used to treat it after it has occurred.
Appropriate food choices can help to control your nausea. If the thiotepa
has been instilled into your bladder, you may notice some lower abdominal
discomfort, bladder irritability (frequent urge to urinate) or small
amounts of blood in your urine. These are expected effects of the drug
and will lessen over the next few days. However, they should be reported
to your physician.
DELAYED SIDE EFFECTS: White blood cells (that fight infection) and
platelets (that help your blood to clot) may be decreased 10-21 days
after you have received your treatment. This is a normal and expected
response to chemotherapy and the blood counts will return to normal
levels over time. Regular blood tests are done to monitor your blood
counts.
Hair loss may occur when receiving this drug, involving the hair on both
your head and body. It may begin within a few days or weeks of treatment.
Your scalp may become tender. Loss of hair may stop at thinning or may
continue to total baldness. Once your treatments have finished, your hair
will gradually regrow. It may even start to grow back before your
treatments are over. If you wish to wear a wig, it should be obtained when
treatment begins to ensure a good colour match and style. Some extended
health benefit plans will provide reimbursement for the purchase of a wig.
Consult the company providing your coverage for details. Your nurse or
social worker can advise you on obtaining a wig. Scarves can be an
attractive alternative to wearing a wig.
Injection site problems (pain or tenderness) may occur. Warm compresses or
soaking in warm water may offer some relief from the discomfort.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Other medications may interact with thiotepa. Do not
start taking new medications without first checking with your physician
or pharmacist. For minor pain, take acetaminophen (Tylenol). Do not take
ASA (Aspirin) or ibuprofen (Advil). Inform new physicians or dentists
that you have had thiotepa before you receive any treatment from them.
Use birth control while being treated with thiotepa. Do not breast feed
during treatment.
NOTIFY YOUR PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OCCUR:
- Signs or symptoms of an infection such as fever (over 100F or 38C),
cold symptoms, cough, pain or burning on urination, redness, pain
or swelling of any areas of the body, ulceration or abscess (pus)
forming anywhere on the body.
- Easy bleeding or bruising.
Contact your physician if any of the following continue or bother you:
- Redness, pain or ulceration of the tongue, lips or mouth.
- Uncontrolled nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
- Headache, fever or skin rash.
- Frequent urge to urinate or blood in urine.
- Redness, inflammation, pain or failure to heal at the site of the
injection.
REPORT ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS TO YOUR PHYSICIAN.
