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Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Topoisomerase I Inhibitor Cancer-related

Topotecan Injection - What is it for

​Topotecan injection is used alone or together with other chemotherapy to treat certain types of cancer such as cervical, ovarian or lung cancer.

Topotecan Injection - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Topotecan Injection cause?

Early Side Effects (within days after receiving Topotecan injection)

  • Mild nausea, vomiting or appetite loss
    • Take small, frequent meals throughout the day.
    • Take the medications for nausea or vomiting as instructed by your doctor if any.

Delayed Side Effects (within days to weeks after receiving Topotecan injection)

  • Feeling tired and lack of energy
    • Do not drive or operate machinery when you feel tired.
  • Decreased white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets
    • This may put you at higher risk of infections, bleeding or bruising and feeling tired.
    • To reduce your risk of infection:
      • Avoid crowds and people who are sick. Wear a face mask when you are going out.
      • Wash your hands after using the toilet and before handling food.
      • Eat food that is fresh and completely cooked, and avoid raw or half-cooked food.
    • To reduce your risk of bleeding problems:
      • Be careful when using sharp objects such as knives.
      • Try not to bruise, cut or knock yourself.
      • Brush your teeth gently as your gums may bleed more easily.
      • Apply direct pressure to any cuts or wounds to help stop bleeding.
  • Diarrhea or constipation
    • To manage diarrhoea:
      • Drink plenty of clear fluids to replace those lost (2 litres everyday).
      • Avoid oily or spicy food and milk or dairy products.
    • To manage constipation:
      • Drink more water or clear fluids (if you do not have a limit on the amount that you can take each day).
      • Add more fibre to your diet by eating more fruits and vegetables.
  • Temporary hair loss

Rare but serious side effects include:

  • Fever of 38°C and above, especially with chills, pain or difficulty in passing urine
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising or black sticky stools
  • Very bad diarrhoea (e.g. more than 4 times a day) that does not improve even after taking medications used to stop diarrhoea
  • Shortness of breath, dry cough that does not go away or worsens

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Topotecan Injection , what precautions must I follow?

​Inform your healthcare professional if:

  • You are allergic to this medication
  • You or your partner become pregnant, or is planning for pregnancy
    • You should use effective birth control during treatment and for a period of time after you finish treatment.
    • Topotecan may affect your ability to have children in the future. You may wish to discuss this with your doctor before starting treatment.
  • You are breastfeeding
    • Do not breastfeed during treatment

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Topotecan Injection ?

​Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking or intend to take any other medication, supplements, traditional medications or herbal remedies.

Topotecan Injection - Dosage and How to Use

How should Topotecan Injection be used?

​Topotecan injection is given into your vein (intravenous).

What should I do if I miss a dose?

​If you forget to receive a dose of Topotecan injection, reschedule an appointment with your hospital as soon as possible.

Topotecan Injection - Additional Information

​You may refer to the following website if you need more information: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/

  • Updated on 30 September 2019
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup , PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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