Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are
pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell
your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Topotecan can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make
it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be
sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do
not miss any scheduled appointments.
Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact
your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with topotecan, and avoid
coming into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that
the virus could be passed on to you.
Call your doctor at once if you have fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, pale
skin, easy bruising or bleeding, severe diarrhea with fever or stomach pain, unusual weakness,
white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips, or other signs of infection.
What is topotecan?
Topotecan is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer
cells in the body.
Topotecan is used to treat ovarian cancer, small cell lung cancer, and certain types of
cervical cancer.
Topotecan may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using topotecan?
You should not use topotecan if you have:
Before using topotecan, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.
You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication.
FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do
not use topotecan without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth
control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether topotecan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
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