Topotecan

What is Topotecan for?

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

How should I take or use Topotecan?

Topotecan is an injection that is given into your vein (intravenous).

What should I do if I forget to take or use Topotecan?

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

What precautions should I take when taking or using Topotecan?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication
• You or your partner becomes 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.
• You are taking or intend to take any other medication, supplements, traditional medications or herbal remedies

What are some common side effects of Topotecan?

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 diarrhea:
• 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

Please see your healthcare professional immediately if any of the following occurs:

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

What else should I know about Topotecan?

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