Brand Names: Mithracin

Generic Name: plicamycin (Pronunciation: plih CA my sin)

• What is plicamycin (Mithracin)?
• What are the possible side effects of plicamycin (Mithracin)?
• What is the most important information I should know about plicamycin (Mithracin)?
• Who should not take plicamycin (Mithracin)?
• How should I take plicamycin (Mithracin)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Mithracin)?
• What happens if I overdose (Mithracin)?
• What should I avoid while taking plicamycin (Mithracin)?
• What other drugs will affect plicamycin (Mithracin)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is plicamycin (Mithracin)?

Plicamycin is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Plicamycin interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Plicamycin is used to treat cancer of the testicles. Plicamycin is also used in the treatment of treat too much calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia) and too much calcium in the urine (hypercalciuria) associated with a variety of advanced forms of cancer.

Plicamycin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of plicamycin (Mithracin)?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of your throat; difficulty breathing; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives);
• blood in the urine;
• black or tarry stools;
• signs of infection such as fever; chills, or sore throat;
• nose bleed (epistaxis) or vomiting blood (hematemesis); or
• unusual bleeding or bruising.

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite;
• mouth sores;
• drowsiness and extremely deep sleep;
• a general discomfort or uneasiness;
• headache or depression;
• a rash; or
• facial flushing..

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Read the Mithracin (plicamycin) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about plicamycin (Mithracin)?

Plicamycin should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Serious side effects have been reported with the use of plicamycin including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection such as fever; chills, or sore throat); severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with plicamycin.

Plicamycin should not be used in women who are or may become pregnant.