Topotecan is used to treat small cell lung cancer that has relapsed after chemotherapy.
Take Topotecan exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew or crush the capsule. Try to take it at the same time each day.
If you vomit after taking a dose of Topotecan, a replacement dose should not be taken.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment time frame depending on the type and severity of your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Topotecan if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking Topotecan.
Do not breastfeed while being treated with this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- blood cell count problems
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count, kidney function tests) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Topotecan may cause any of the following side effects: tiredness, weakness, hair loss, nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhoea and vomiting.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- vomiting blood, bloody or black stool
- severe diarrhoea e.g. more than 3 episode of diarrhoea per day, diarrhea with fever or stomach pain
- signs of infection such as fever, urinary problems e.g. pain or burning sensation when urinating.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for high blood pressure or heart disease e.g. verapamil
- certain antibiotics e.g. azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin
- medicines for fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole
- medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. saquinavir
- other medicines for cancer e.g. cisplatin
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Topotecan.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8 °C. Do not allow to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used.
Store away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As this is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired capsules to the clinic, hospital or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the normal household waste.
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