Hycamtin (Topotecan Hydrochloride) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

Pill Identifier Search

May 27, 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 Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using topotecan (Hycamtin)?

You should not use topotecan if you have:

severe bone marrow depression; or
if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

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 use topotecan (Hycamtin)?

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.

Related Drug Centers