Mutamycin (Mitomycin) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Mutamycin

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Mutamycin

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Mutamycin®
(mitomycin) for Injection, USP

WARNING

MUTAMYCIN® (mitomycin for injection, USP) should be administered under the supervision of a qualified physician experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents. Appropriate management of therapy and complications is possible only when adequate diagnostic and treatment facilities are readily available.

Bone marrow suppression, notably thrombocytopenia and leukopenia, which may contribute to overwhelming infections in an already compromised patient, is the most common and severe of the toxic effects of MUTAMYCIN (see WARNINGS and ADVERSE REACTIONS sections).

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) a serious complication of chemotherapy, consisting primarily of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and irreversible renal failure has been reported in patients receiving systemic MUTAMYCIN (mitomycin) . The syndrome may occur at any time during systemic therapy with MUTAMYCIN (mitomycin) as a single agent or in combination with other cytotoxic drugs, however, most cases occur at doses ≥ 60 mg of MUTAMYCIN (mitomycin) . Blood product transfusion may exacerbate the symptoms associated with this syndrome.

The incidence of the syndrome has not been defined.

DRUG DESCRIPTION

MUTAMYCIN® (mitomycin for injection, USP) (also known as mitomycin and/or mitomycin-C) is an antibiotic isolated from the broth of Streptomyces caespitosus which has been shown to have antitumor activity. The compound is heat stable, has a high melting point, and is freely soluble in organic solvents.

What are the possible side effects of mitomycin (Mutamycin)?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects from mitomycin, contact your doctor immediately:

an allergic reaction (including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
kidney damage (little or no urine production, blood in the urine, lower back or side pain, difficulty urinating, or swelling of the ankles or feet);
decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; or...

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What are the precautions when taking mitomycin (Mutamycin)?

Before using mitomycin, 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.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood/bleeding disorders (e.g., anemia, low blood cell counts), current infection, kidney disease, liver disease, radiation treatment.

Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose. Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections.

To lower your risk of getting...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 10/24/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.