Thiotepa injection

What is this medicine?

THIOTEPA (thye oh TEP a) is a chemotherapy drug. It slows the growth of cancer cells. This medicine is used to treat many types of cancer like breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and bladder cancer and to treat fluid build-up caused by some cancers. It is also used to reduce the risk of graft rejection after a bone morrow transplant in pediatric patients with beta-thalassemia.

How should I use this medicine?

This drug is given as an infusion into a vein. It may also be given into the bladder or into a body cavity. It is administered in a hospital or clinic by a specially trained health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 1 month for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• blood in the urine

• confusion

• drowsiness

• hallucinations

• low blood counts - this medicine may decrease the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. You may be at increased risk for infections and bleeding.

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• seizures

• signs of decreased platelets or bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine

• signs of decreased red blood cells - unusually weak or tired, feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or trouble passing urine

• signs and symptoms of bleeding such as bloody or black, tarry stools; red or dark-brown urine; spitting up blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds; red spots on the skin; unusual bruising or bleeding from the eye, gums, or nose

• signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• mouth sores

• pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• live virus vaccines

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• clarithromycin

• cyclophosphamide

• itraconazole

• phenytoin

• rifampin

• ritonavir

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• infection (especially virus infection such as chickenpox or herpes)

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• low blood counts like low platelets, red blood cells, white blood cells

• recent or ongoing radiation therapy

• an unusual or allergic reaction to thiotepa, other chemotherapy, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor for checks on your progress. This drug may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon, as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.

In some cases, you may be given additional medicines to help with side effects. Follow all directions for their use.

Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

Talk to your doctor about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancers if you take this medicine.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 6 months after stopping it. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Men should not father a child while taking this medicine and for 1 year after stopping it. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.

This medicine may interfere with the ability to have a child. Talk with your doctor or health care professional if you are concerned about your fertility.