Topotecan (By mouth)

Topotecan (toe-poe-TEE-kan)

Treats small cell lung cancer.

Brand Name(s):

Hycamtin

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant or if you have had an allergic reaction to topotecan or have severe bone marrow depression (low blood counts).

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule

Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Swallow the capsule whole with water. Do not open, crush, break, or chew it.
You may also receive medicines to help prevent nausea and vomiting.
Do not touch broken or leaking capsules with your bare hands. If you get the contents from the capsule on your skin, wash the area with soap and water and call your doctor right away. If the medicine gets in your eyes, rinse them immediately with gently flowing water for at least 15 minutes and call your doctor right away.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

If a dose is missed:

Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
If you vomit after taking your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

Store the medicine in the refrigerator and do not allow it to freeze. Protect the bottle of capsules from light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you also use cyclosporine (Gengraf®, Neoral®, or Sandimmune®), elacridar, ketoconazole (Nizoral®), ritonavir (Norvir®), or saquinavir (Fortovase® or Invirase®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding or if you have kidney disease, blood or bone marrow problems, any type of infection, or a history of lung disease.
This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
Check with your doctor right away if you have trouble breathing, cough, fever, or wheezing. These could be symptoms of a serious lung problem.
Cancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.
This medicine may make you weak or tired. Do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
Severe diarrhea
Trouble breathing
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Unusual tiredness or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Hair loss or thinning of the hair
Mild diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017