Hycamtin (Topotecan Hydrochloride) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

Pill Identifier Search

May 26, 2012

Hycamtin

Cervical Cancer »

Cervical cancer facts

Causes and risk factors for cervical cancer have been identified and include human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, having many sexual partners, smoking, taking birth control pills, and engaging in early sexual contact.
HPV infection may cause cervical dysplasia, or abnormal growth of cervical cells.
Regular pelvic exams and Pap testing can detect precancerous changes in the cervix.
Precancerous changes in the cervix may be treated with cryosurgery, cauterization, or laser surgery.
The most common symptoms and signs of cervical cancer are abnormal bleeding and pelvic pain.
Cervical cancer can be diagnosed using a Pap smear or other procedures that sample the cervix tissue.
Chest X-rays, CT scan, MRI, and a PET scan may be used to determine the stage of cervical cancer.
Cancer of the cervix requires different treatment than cancer that begins in other parts of ...

Read the Cervical Cancer article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Hycamtin User Reviews >>

Hycamtin

Lung Cancer Slideshow Pictures

Effects of Secondhand Smoke Slideshow Pictures

Tips to Quit Smoking Slideshow Pictures

font size

HYCAMTIN®
(topotecan)

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]-4- ethyl-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 »

What are the precautions when taking topotecan hydrochloride (Hycamtin)?

Before using topotecan, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain immune system problem (neutropenia).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood/bone marrow disorders (e.g., low platelet/white blood cell/red blood cell levels), kidney disease, liver disease.

This drug may make you weak or tired. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires...

Read All Potential Precautions of Hycamtin »

Last reviewed on RxList: 10/28/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.