Hycamtin

Generic Name

Topotecan.

General Information

Hycamtin belongs to the family of drugs called topoisomerase inhibitors. Hycamtin is also referred to as Topotecan and it belongs to a category of medications that are called antineoplastics. This medicine is used to treat cancer of the ovaries when other treatments have failed. Hycamtinmay also used in certain types of lung cancer (small cell lung cancer). Topotecan can reduce the production of white blood cells by the bone marrow, making you more prone to infection. This effect can begin seven days after treatment has been given, and your resistance to infection usually reaches its lowest point around nine days after chemotherapy. Not all cancer patients are prescribed the same dosage of hycamtin. The dosage a doctor prescribes is dependent on a patient's height, weight and whether or not other methods of treatment or medications are being tried at the same time. Hycamtin can work wonders for a person with lung or ovarian cancer but it can also lower your body's ability to fight off other infections while you are taking this drug and also immediately after you stop taking it, refrain from having any vaccinations of any kind. Topotecan is also used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs such as: Taxol, Adriamycin, Cytoxan and Cisplatinum.

Hycamtin Dosage

Not all cancer patients are prescribed the same dosage of hycamtin.
The dosage a doctor prescribes is dependent on a patient's height, weight and whether or not other methods of treatment or medications are being tried at the same time.

Side Effects of Hycamtin

Some common side effects reported with this medicine include:

Diarrhea.
Susceptibility to infection.
Nausea and vomiting.
Headache.
Shortness of breath.
Decrease in the number of red blood cells in the blood.
Loss of appetite.

Warnings and precautions before taking Hycamtin

Before starting hycamtin treatment, make sure you tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking (including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbal remedies, etc.). Do not take aspirin, or products containing aspirin unless your doctor specifically permits this.
Do not breast feed while taking this medication.
Do not receive any kind of immunization or vaccination without your doctor's approval while taking Hycamtin.
Avoid contact sports or activities that could cause injury.

Overdosage

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

Disclaimer : All information on www.healthatoz.info is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, please consult your doctor.