Hycamtin (Topotecan Hydrochloride) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images 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 Side Effects

Brand Names: Hycamtin

Generic Name: topotecan (Pronunciation: TOE poe TEE kan)

What is topotecan (Hycamtin)?

Topotecan is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Topotecan is used to treat ovarian cancer, small cell lung cancer, and certain types of cervical cancer.

Topotecan may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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 changes or severe irritation where the needle is placed.

Less serious side effects may include:

bruising or swelling where the medicine was injected;
tired feeling;
headache, body pain, joint or muscle pain;
mild skin rash;
nausea, diarrhea, vomiting; or
temporary hair loss.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about topotecan (Hycamtin)?

Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

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.

Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with topotecan, and avoid coming into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus could be passed on to you.

Call your doctor at once if you have fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, severe diarrhea with fever or stomach pain, unusual weakness, white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips, or other signs of infection.

Related Drug Centers