Topotecan
About
Topotecan belongs to a group of medicines called 'anti-cancer/anti-neoplastic agents', used to treat ovarian and small cell lung cancer. It may sometimes be used to treat other cancers. Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries (one of a pair of female reproductive glands in which the ova, or eggs, are formed). Small-cell lung cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the lung tissues.
Topotecan contains 'Topotecan'. It works by penetrating the cell wall and binding to the cell's DNA, stopping it from naturally dividing and functioning, ultimately destroying it. These medicines target cancer cells because they often affect rapidly dividing cells.
The amount of medicine that you will receive depends on many factors, including your height and weight, your general health or other health problems, and the type of cancer or condition being treated. Your doctor will determine your dose and schedule. Topotecan is prescribed by a doctor experienced in the use of medications to treat cancer. You may sometimes experience nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, thrombocytopenia (a low platelet count), peripheral neuropathy (nerves malfunction), nephrotoxicity at high doses, and electrolyte disturbances. Most of these side effects of Topotecan do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Topotecan for as long as your doctor has prescribed. Do not stop using the Topotecan midway. Talk to your doctor before taking Topotecan if you have severe allergic reactions to Topotecan or other medicines or suffer from severe lung problems, Infections, renal dysfunction, thrombocytopenia (a low platelet count), neutropenia (low white blood cell count), hepatic disorders. Topotecan should not be employed in patients with severe bone marrow depression or significant bleeding. Avoid taking Topotecan if you are pregnant or breastfeeding because this Topotecan can cause harmful effects on the unborn baby. Both women and men using this Topotecan should use birth control to avoid pregnancy.
Uses of Topotecan
Medicinal Benefits
Topotecan contains 'Topotecan', which belongs to a group of anti-cancer medicines used to treat ovarian cancer and small cell lung cancer. It works by damaging the genetic material (DNA) of the cancer cells, which stops their growth and multiplication. It can be used alone or together with other chemotherapy drugs depending on the type of cancer you have.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Topotecan
- Leukopenia (low white blood cell count)
- Thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hair loss
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Bone pain
- Weakness
- Mouth sores
- Poor appetite
- Rash
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Headache
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Topotecan should be taken under strict medical supervision. The doctor will regularly monitor your condition while taking Topotecan. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Topotecan for as long as your doctor has prescribed. Do not stop Topotecan midway. Talk to your doctor before taking Topotecan if you have severe allergic reactions to Topotecan or other medicines or suffer from severe lung problems, Infections, renal dysfunction, thrombocytopenia (a low platelet count), neutropenia (low white blood cell count), hepatic disorders. Topotecan should not be employed in patients with severe bone marrow depression or significant bleeding. Avoid taking Topotecan if you are pregnant or breastfeeding because this Topotecan can cause harmful effects on the unborn baby. Both women and men using this Topotecan should use birth control to avoid pregnancy. Peripheral blood counts should be frequently monitored during Topotecan treatment and appropriate until recovery is achieved. Do not receive any kind of immunization or vaccination without your doctor's approval while taking the Topotecan.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Topotecan interacts with medicines used in the treatment of chemotherapy (e.g. Paclitaxel), angiogenesis inhibitors (e.g. bevacizumab) and anti-tumour antibiotic medications (e.g. Doxorubicin).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid the consumption of alcohol and caffeine while taking Topotecan.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor before taking the Topotecan. It requires close monitoring if you suffer from Infections (bacterial/fungal/protozoal/viral), bleeding disorders, bone marrow depression/low blood counts, renal dysfunction or disorders, interstitial lung disease, and diarrhoea.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Topotecan. It could lead to avoiding unpleasant side-effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeTopotecan should not be used during pregnancy because it causes harm to the fetus (newborn baby). Both women of childbearing potential and men must use an effective contraception method while taking Topotecan and at least six months afterwards. Please consult your doctor about any concerns regarding this.
Breast Feeding
unsafeTopotecan should not be taken during breastfeeding as it passes into the breastmilk and may harm the nursing baby. It is contraindicated in breastfeeding mothers. Please consult your doctor about any concerns regarding this.
Driving
cautionTopotecan may affect your reactions and your ability to drive. Possible side effects of chemotherapy with Topotecan may occur, such as nausea and vomiting. If you are affected by these side effects, you should not drive and/or operate machines that require you to be alert.
Liver
cautionIf you have had a history or evidence of any liver-related diseases, please inform the doctor before taking the Topotecan. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing them.
Kidney
cautionIf you have had a history or evidence of any kidney-related diseases, please inform the doctor before taking the Topotecan. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing them.
Children
unsafeSafety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Please consult your doctor. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.
- Performing yoga may also help in improving both physical and mental health.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yoghurt, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, and herbs in your diet.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Avoid fast food, fried food, processed meats, refined carbs and added sugars.
Special Advise
- Topotecan should be taken under strict medical supervision. The doctor will regularly monitor your condition while taking Topotecan.
- Your doctor may get routine blood tests done to monitor your liver function, electrolyte levels, and blood cell count in your blood.
- Peripheral blood counts should be frequently monitored during Topotecan treatment and, when appropriate, until recovery is achieved.
- Avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV light (such as tanning booths) and wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Topotecan may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Cancer: Cancer is a condition where cells in a specific part of the body grow and reproduce uncontrollably. The cancerous cells can invade and destroy surrounding healthy tissue, including organs. Cancer sometimes begins in one part of the body before spreading to other areas.
Ovarian cancer: Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries (one of a pair of female reproductive glands in which the ova, or eggs, are formed).
Small cell lung cancer: Small cell lung cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the lung tissues.
FAQs
Topotecan contains 'Topotecan'. Topotecan works by breaching the cellular wall and binding to the cell’s DNA, preventing the cell from dividing and functioning normally, which eventually kills the cell.
You should not receive Topotecan if you are allergic to Topotecan or other medicines or suffer from severe lung problems, Infections, renal dysfunction, and thrombocytopenia (a low platelet count), neutropenia (low white blood cell count), hepatic disorders. Topotecan should not be employed in patients with severe bone marrow depression or significant bleeding. Avoid taking Topotecan if you are pregnant or breastfeeding because this Topotecan can cause harmful effects on the unborn baby.
Yes, Topotecan can cause low neutrophils levels, a type of white blood cells that help fight infections. If your white blood cells become low, you can be at higher risk for infections. Tell your doctor if you develop a fever or believe you have an infection.
Avoid taking Topotecan if you are pregnant because Topotecan can cause harmful effects on the unborn baby. Females should follow effective birth control methods during treatment and at least six months after the final dose of Topotecan.
The live vaccine may not work while on treatment with Topotecan. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without talking to your doctor first. Also, avoid contact with people who recently had immunizations /vaccinations.
Topotecan is used to treat cancer of the ovaries when other treatments have failed. And also be used in certain types of lung cancer (small cell lung cancer).
