Streptozocin is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat certain tumours of the pancreas called neuroendocrine tumours.
Streptozocin injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein) as an injection or infusion. It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on the type and severity of your condition and response to the medication.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Streptozocin.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Alert your doctor if you have severe kidney disease as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Do not use Streptozocin with other medicines that may potentially harm your kidneys, unless advised by the doctor.
Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. You must avoid any vaccinations with live vaccines without consulting with your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- mild to moderate kidney disease
- diabetes
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with this medicine. Both men and women must use proven contraceptive methods during Streptozocin therapy and for 30 days (in women) or 90 days (in men) after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
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. kidney and liver function, blood sugar and electrolyte levels, complete blood count) may be done while you are being treated with Streptozocin. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Streptozocin may cause tiredness or confusion. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: diarrhoea, fever, feeling depressed, and redness, burning sensation, swelling or tenderness at the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- unable to pass urine, blood in the urine, change in how much urine is passed
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, swelling in the legs and ankles
- severe nausea and vomiting
- headache, feeling sleepy or weak, shaking, increased hunger
- frequent or persistent sore throat with fever, bleeding from the gums, unusual bruising or bleeding
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not use Streptozocin with other medicines that may harm your kidneys, unless advised by the doctor.
Avoid live vaccinations during treatment with this medicine. Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated or if you are planning to get vaccinated.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
- other medicines for cancer e.g. doxorubicin, carmustine
- medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders
- phenytoin (medicine for fits or seizures)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Streptozocin.
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.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As this is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired medicines to the clinic, hospital, or pharmacy for disposal.
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