home > drugs a-z list > hycamtin capsules (topotecan capsules) drug center > hycamtin capsules (topotecan capsules) drug

Recommended Topic Related To:

Hycamtin Capsules

Lung Cancer »

What is lung cancer?

Cancer of the lung, like all cancers, results from an abnormality in the body's basic unit of life, the cell. Normally, the body maintains a system of checks and balances on cell growth so that cells divide to produce new cells only when new cells are needed. Disruption of this system of checks and balances on cell growth results in an uncontrolled division and proliferation of cells that eventually forms a mass known as a tumor.

Tumors can be benign or malignant; when we speak of "cancer," we are referring to those tumors that are malignant. Benign tumors usually can be removed and do not spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, grow aggressively and invade other tissues of the body, allowing entry of tumor cells into the bloodstream or lymphatic system and then to other sites in the body. This process of spread is termed metastasis; the areas of tumor growth at these distant ...

Read the Lung Cancer article »

Hycamtin Capsules

font size

HYCAMTIN®
(topotecan) Capsules

WARNING

BONE MARROW SUPPRESSION

HYCAMTIN should be administered only to patients with baseline neutrophil counts of ≥ 1,500 cells/mm³ and a platelet count ≥ 100,000 cells/mm³. In order to assess the occurrence of bone marrow suppression, blood cell counts should be monitored.

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Topotecan hydrochloride is a semi-synthetic derivative of camptothecin and is an anti-tumor drug with topoisomerase I-inhibitory activity.

The chemical name for topotecan hydrochloride is (S)-10-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-4­ethyl-4,9-dihydroxy-1H-pyrano[3',4':6,7] indolizino [1,2-b]quinoline-3,14-(4H,12H)-dione monohydrochloride. It has the molecular formula C23H23N3O5•HCl and a molecular weight of 457.9. It is soluble in water and melts with decomposition at 213° to 218°C

Topotecan hydrochloride has the following structural formula:

HYCAMTIN® (topotecan) Structural Formula Illustration

HYCAMTIN capsules contain topotecan hydrochloride, the content of which is expressed as topotecan free base. The major excipients are hydrogenated vegetable oil, glyceryl monostearate, gelatin, and titanium dioxide. The capsules are imprinted with edible black ink. The 1 mg capsules also contain red iron oxide.

What are the possible side effects of topotecan (Hycamtin)?

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...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Hycamtin Capsules »

Last reviewed on RxList: 7/26/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.

Additional Hycamtin Capsules Information

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


Privacy Policy

Cancer

Get the latest treatment options.


From WebMD

Cancer Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors