Topotecan capsules

What is this medicine?

TOPOTECAN (TOE poe TEE kan) is a chemotherapy drug. It is used to treat small cell lung cancer.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. You can take it with or without food. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medicine. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing difficulties

• diarrhea

• dizziness

• fever or chills, sore throat

• mouth sores or pain

• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• 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):

• hair loss

• headache

• loss of appetite

• nausea, vomiting

• stomach pain

What may interact with this medicine?

• amiodarone

• azithromycin

• captopril

• carvedilol

• certain medications for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole

• clarithromycin

• conivaptan

• cyclosporine

• dronedarone

• eltrombopag

• erythromycin

• felodipine

• grapefruit juice

• lopinavir

• quercetin

• quinidine

• ranolazine

• ritonavir

• ticagrelor

• verapamil

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store in the refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Keep this medicine in the original container. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

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

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

• immune system problems

• infection (especially a virus infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)

• kidney disease

• low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts

• an unusual or allergic reaction to topotecan, gelatin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

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.

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.

Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medicine.

Avoid taking products that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your doctor. These medicines may hide a fever.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 1 month after stopping it. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. 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.

Men must use a latex condom during sexual contact with a woman while taking this medicine and for 3 months after you stop taking this medicine. A latex condom is needed even if you have had a vasectomy. Contact your doctor right away if your partner becomes pregnant. Do not donate sperm while taking this medicine and for 3 months after you stop taking this medicine.