For treating cancer.
Brand Name(s): Hycamtin
Generic Name: Topotecan
Instructions
Swallow the medicine without crushing or chewing it.
Do not use capsules that are broken, cracked or otherwise damaged.
Swallow with a full glass (8 oz) of water unless your doctor gives you different instructions.
You may take with food to prevent stomach upset.
Keep this medicine in the refrigerator.
Keep the medicine away from heat and light.
Please ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist how to discard unused medicines safely.
If you vomit after taking a dose, do not take an extra dose. Take your next dose at the usual time.
If you forget to take a dose on time, return to your normal dosing schedule on the following day.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
Keep using this medicine for the full number of days that it is prescribed. Do not stop the medicine even if you start to feel better.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Do not take the medicine more than once during 24 hours.
Cautions
Do not open the capsules.
Avoid touching any powder from an open or broken capsule. If the powder touches the skin, nose, or eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.
Avoid getting medicine on the skin or in the eyes. If this happens, wash the skin with soap and water. For eyes, open eyelid and flush with plenty of water and tell your doctor right away.
Always wash your hands after handling this medicine.
Avoid breathing in the medicine.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Some patients on this medicine have developed severe, life-threatening infections. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.
This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.
Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.
Please tell your doctor if you have moderate to severe diarrhea while on this medicine. Do not treat the diarrhea with over-the-counter diarrhea medicine.
Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 1 week after stopping treatment.
This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.
Women must use reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.
Men with a female partner who is of childbearing age must use a condom and a second form of birth control during sexual activity while taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.
Women who are pregnant or in their childbearing years should not touch or handle this medicine. This medicine can be absorbed through the woman's skin and harm the unborn baby.
Always carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet indicating your medical condition.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- decreased appetite
- diarrhea
- lack of energy and tiredness
- fever
- hair loss
- nausea and vomiting
- stomach upset or abdominal pain
- weakness
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- severe or persistent abdominal pain
- bleeding that is severe or takes longer to stop
- cough that does not go away
- severe, watery or bloody diarrhea
- fever or chills
- pale or blue skin, lips or fingernails
- shortness of breath
- sore throat
- unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about TOPOTECAN - ORAL
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Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.