Manufacturer:
No Manufacturer Listed
Description:
Common Name Topotecan.
Topotecan belongs to the group of cancer-fighting medications known as antineoplastics. It kills cancer cells by interfering with the genetic material DNA, which is necessary for their growth and reproduction. Topotecan is used to treat a certain type of cancer of the ovary and a particular type of lung cancer.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor.
Directions:
The recommended dose and dosing schedule of topotecan varies according to body size. It is injected into a vein through a specially prepared site on your skin. The appropriate dose is usually injected over 30 minutes, once daily for 5 consecutive days followed by 16 days without medication. This cycle is then repeated at least 3 more times.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. Your doctor may choose a schedule different from the one listed here.
Very careful handling of this medication is required. It is always given under the supervision of a doctor in a hospital or similar setting with access to sterile equipment for preparation.
Cautions:
Topotecan should not be used by anyone who
1)is allergic to topotecan or to any of the ingredients of the medication
2)is pregnant
3)is breast-feeding
4)has severe depletion of neutrophils (white blood cells) or platelets
5)has severe kidney disease
Ingredients:
Each single dose vial of a sterile lyophilized, buffered, light-yellow-to-greenish powder contains topotecan HCl equivalent to 4 mg of topotecan as free base. Nonmedicinal ingredients mannitol and tartaric acid. Hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide may be used to adjust to a pH of 3. The solution pH ranges from 2.5 to 3.5.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
