Translations available: Spanish
Topotecan (toh-poh-tee-kan) is a chemotherapy medicine that destroys cancer cells by interfering with a specific phase of cell life.
It is given into the vein (IV) in the hospital or clinic. Sometimes it is given intrathecally (into the spinal fluid).
For patients receiving IV topotecan:
Common
Occasional
Rare
For patients receiving intrathecal topotecan:
Occasional
Rare
All caregivers should wear gloves when handling urine, stool, and vomit while your child is receiving the chemotherapy and for 48 hours afterward. Urine, stool, and vomit can be safely disposed of in septic tanks and the sewer system.
Any clothing or bed linens that are contaminated with urine, stool, or vomit should be washed separately from other laundry in hot water and detergent. Anyone handling the contaminated laundry should wear gloves.
Blood samples may be needed to check the effects of the medicine. Blood counts are lowest at 1 to 2 weeks after the medicine is given. Kidney and liver function tests are also done.
Good mouth care will help prevent mouth sores.
You and your child should know the names of all the medicines he or she is taking. Share this information with anyone involved in your child's care.
Check with the doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist before giving any other prescription or non-prescription medicines, herbs, or vitamins.
This is not specific to your child but provides general information. If you have any questions, please call the oncology clinic or pharmacy.
Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota
Last reviewed 8/2015
This page is not specific to your child, but provides general information on the topic above. If you have any questions, please call your clinic. For more reading material about this and other health topics, please call or visit Children's Minnesota Family Resource Center library, or visit www.childrensmn.org/educationmaterials.
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