Brand Names:
Generic Names:
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Topotecan (toe-poe-TEE-kan) is a drug that is used to treat some kinds of
cancers. It is a clear liquid that is injected into a vein.
A blood test may be taken before each treatment. The dose and timing of
your chemotherapy may be changed based on the test results and/or other
side effects.
Other drugs such as phenytoin (Dilantin) may interact with topotecan. Tell
your physician if you are taking this or any other drugs as you may need
extra blood tests or your dose may need to be changed. Check with your
physician or pharmacist before you start taking any new drugs.
The drinking of alcohol (in small amounts) does not appear to affect the
safety or usefulness of topotecan.
Topotecan may damage sperm and may harm the baby if used during pregnancy.
It is best to use birth control while being treated with topotecan. Tell
your physician right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Do not
breast-feed during treatment.
Tell physicians or dentists that you are being treated with topotecan
before you receive any treatment from them.
Side effects are listed below in the order in which they may occur. Tips to
help manage the side effects are included.
Nausea and vomiting may occur during and after your topotecan treatment.
You may be given a prescription for antinausea drug(s) to take before your
chemotherapy treatment and/or at home. It is easier to prevent nausea than
treat it once it has occurred, so follow directions closely. Eat and drink
often in small amounts.
Your white blood cells will decrease 1-2 weeks after your treatment. They
usually return to normal within 1 week. White blood cells protect your
body by fighting bacteria (germs) that cause infection. When they are
low, you are at greater risk of having an infection. To help prevent
infection: Wash your hands often and always after using the bathroom.
Take care of your skin and mouth. Avoid crowds and people who are sick.
Call your physician immediately at the first sign of an infection such as
fever (over 100F or 38C by an oral thermometer), chills, cough or burning
when you pass urine.
Your platelets may decrease 2 weeks after your treatment. They usually
return to normal within 1 week. Platelets help to make your blood clot
when you hurt yourself. You may bruise or bleed more easily than usual.
To help prevent bleeding problems: Try not to bruise, cut or burn
yourself. Clean your nose by blowing gently, never use fingers. Avoid
constipation. For minor pain, take acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol). Do not
take ASA (e.g., Aspirin) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil).
Diarrhea or constipation may occur. To help diarrhea: Drink plenty of
liquids. Eat and drink often in small amounts. Avoid high fibre foods. To
help constipation: Exercise if you can. Drink plenty of fluids (8 cups a
day).
Sore mouth may occur a few days after treatment. Mouth sores can occur on
the tongue, the sides of the mouth or in the throat. Mouth sores or
bleeding gums can lead to an infection. Brush your teeth gently after
eating and at bedtime with a very soft toothbrush. If your gums bleed, use
gauze instead of a brush. Use baking soda instead of toothpaste. Make a
mouthwash with half a teaspoon baking soda or salt in 1 cup warm water and
rinse several times a day. Try soft, bland foods like puddings, milkshakes
and cream soups. Avoid spicy, crunchy or acidic food, and very hot or cold
foods.
Headache may occur. Take acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) to decrease or stop
headache.
Tiredness and lack of energy may occur. Do not drive a car or operate
machinery if you are feeling tired.
Hair loss is common and may begin within a few days or weeks of treatment.
Your hair may thin or you may become totally bald. Your scalp may feel
tender. You may lose hair on your face and body. Your hair will grow back
once your treatments are over and sometimes between treatments. Colour and
texture may change. Use a gentle shampoo and soft brush. Care should be
taken with use of hair spray, bleaches, dyes and perms. Protect your scalp
with a hat, scarf or wig in cold weather. Some extended health plans will
pay part of the cost of a wig. Cover your head or apply sunblock on sunny
days. Apply mineral oil to your scalp to reduce itching. If you lose your
eyelashes and eyebrows, protect your eyes from dust and grit with a
broad-rimmed hat and glasses.
Pain or tenderness may occur where the needle was placed. Apply cool
compresses or soak in cool water for 15-20 minutes several times a day.
SEE YOUR PHYSICIAN OR GET EMERGENCY HELP IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE:
- Signs of an infection such as fever (over 100F or 38C by an oral
thermometer); chills; cough; or pain or burning when you pass urine.
- Signs of bleeding problems such as black, tarry stools; blood in
urine; pinpoint red spots on skin.
SEE YOUR PHYSICIAN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (DURING OFFICE HOURS) IF YOU
HAVE:
- Signs of anemia such as unusual tiredness or weakness.
- Severe abdominal or stomach cramping or pain.
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
CHECK WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CONTINUE OR
BOTHER YOU:
- Uncontrolled nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea.
- Headache not controlled with acetaminophen.
- Easy bruising or bleeding.
- Redness, swelling, pain or sores where the needle was placed.
- Redness, swelling, pain or sores on your lips, tongue, mouth or
throat.
- Skin rash or itching.
- Aches and pains.
REPORT ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS TO YOUR PHYSICIAN.
