Chemo Drugs

Topotecan (Hycamptin)

What Does It Look Like?

Clear liquid

How Is It Given?

Intravenously (vein)

Why Am I Taking It?

Topotecan is an anti-cancer drug that stops cells from dividing. This drug is used to treat several kinds of cancer such as ovarian cancer.

What Side Effects May Occur?

You may experience some, all, or none of those listed. Most side effects do not last long. Tell the doctor or nurse about any that you notice. The information here does not include all possible side effects; others may occur. Please report any problems to your doctor.

Low Blood Cell Count

• A drop in white blood cells is very common about 11 days after the drug is given and can be severe. The white blood cell count usually stays low for about a week. It most commonly drops with the first course of the drug's administration.
• Avoiding crowds during this time is very important to reduce the risk of infection. Avoid anyone with a cold or flu or other infection.
• Wash your hands very frequently.
• Platelets are also affected by topotecan and are lowest at about 15 days after therapy lasting about 5 days. Platelets are the cells in the blood that help with the clotting of blood.
• Let your doctor or nurse know if you are having bleeding such as bloody noses, blood in your urine or stool. Seek medical attention right away if you are vomiting blood or if you cannot get bleeding from anywhere on your body to stop.
• Anemia (low red blood cells) also occurs with topotecan in about 40% of patients. Sometimes transfusions are needed if the red cell count and hemoglobin are too low. Your doctor will discuss this with you.

Nausea

• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may happen occasionally, but are not usually severe with topotecan.
• Medicines will be given to you if they should occur.

Hair

• It is common to lose most of your hair with topotecan.
• Hair loss is temporary and will regrow.

Neurological

• Headaches may occur.
• Medications may be ordered to control discomfort from headaches. It is important not to take any over the counter preparations such as aspirin, Tylenol or ibuprofen without talking to your doctor. Many of these drugs can cause problems for you if your blood counts are also low.

Special Notes

• Changes in your menstrual cycle or sperm count may occur. Discuss birth control measures with your doctor as it is not advisable to conceive or to father children while taking this drug.
• If you have some kidney or renal problems, the dose of your topotecan may need to be adjusted. This will be monitored with lab tests.