About topotecan hcl
Topoisomerase I inhibitor chemotherapy
Used for
- Ovarian cancer that has returned or progressed after chemotherapy
- Small-cell lung cancer that has returned after chemotherapy
- Cervical cancer that has returned or cannot be treated with surgery or radiation
Usual adult dose
Usually 1.5 mg/m² by intravenous infusion daily for 5 days, repeated every 21 days; dosing varies by cancer and blood counts.
Common side effects
- Low blood-cell counts, with increased infection or bleeding risk
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or constipation
- Fatigue and weakness
- Hair loss
Important warnings
- Can cause severe bone-marrow suppression and serious infections or bleeding.
- Monitor blood counts before treatment and during each cycle.
- Diarrhoea can be severe; prompt treatment may be needed.
- May harm an unborn baby; effective contraception is required during treatment.
Pregnancy
May cause fetal harm. Avoid during pregnancy; use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months afterward for women, or 3 months for men.
Breastfeeding
Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 week after the final dose.
Interactions
- Other medicines that suppress bone marrow may increase blood-count problems.
- Medicines affecting kidney function may alter topotecan exposure.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.