Topotecan
- Generic Name:
- Topotecan
- Pronunciation:
- toh-poh-TEE-kan
- Drug Type:
- DNA-repair enzyme inhibitor
- How the Drug is Given:
Intravenously (IV)
- Names:
- Hycamtin®
- Topotecan
Indications and Usage
Topotecan is an FDA-approved cancer drug that is used to treat people who have certain types of cancer including acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This drug may cause a temporary loss of hair in some people. After treatment with topotecan has ended, normal hair growth should return.
Side effects needing medical attention
Black, tarry stools; blood in urine or stools; cough or hoarseness (accompanied by fever or chills); fever or chills; lower back or side pain (accompanied by fever or chills); painful or difficult urination (accompanied by fever or chills); pinhead-sized red spots on skin or rash, hives and/or itching; shortness of breath, troubled breathing or fast or irregular breathing; unusual bleeding or bruising; large, hive-like swellings on the face, eyelids, mouth, lips and/or tongue; puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes; tightness in chest or wheezing; unusual tiredness or weakness; changes in the skin color of the face.