Hycamtin: Uses, indications and notes when using

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Hycamtin is used to treat small cell lung cancer. It works by killing cancer cells or slowing their growth. However, the drug also reduces bone marrow function, which can lead to low blood cell counts such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This can cause anemia, reduce the body's ability to fight infections, or make it easier for the body to bruise or bleed.

1. Indications and contraindications of Hycamtin

Hycamtin is indicated for the treatment of:
Small cell lung cancer Hycamtin is contraindicated in the following cases:
Significant decrease in bone marrow activity Anemia Decrease in blood platelets Level of leukocytes low-grade Interstitial pneumonia Pulmonary fibrosis Pregnancy Lactating women Moderate to severe renal failure Radiation therapy involving the lungs Colitis

2. How to use Hycamtin

Read the medication instructions provided by your doctor carefully before you start taking Hycamtin and each time you are given a refill. If you have any questions about how to use Hycamtin, consult your doctor. Hycamtin is taken by mouth, usually once daily for 5 days, or as directed by your doctor. Each 5-day course of treatment is called a cycle. You will usually repeat this cycle 21 days after stopping the medication. The dose of Hycamtin is calculated based on your body size, medical condition, laboratory tests, and response to treatment. Take Hycamtin with or without food. Swallow the capsule whole, do not open, crush or chew the capsule. If the ingredients in the capsule touch your skin, wash your skin immediately and completely with soap and water. If the medicine gets in your eyes, mouth, or nose, rinse immediately with water for at least 15 minutes. Consult your doctor if you have redness/burning/swelling on the skin where the medicine touches or if the medicine gets in your eyes. If you vomit after taking a dose of Hycamtin, do not take another dose at that time. Take your next dose according to your usual dosing schedule. Everyone should wash their hands carefully after handling Hycamtin. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not take Hycamtin. Laboratory tests such as complete blood count, kidney function tests should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects while using Hycamtin.

3. Hycamtin side effects

During the use of Hycamtin, you may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, weakness and fever. If these side effects persist or get worse, tell your doctor right away. Nausea and vomiting can be serious, and in some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or reduce nausea and vomiting while using Hycamtin. In addition, eating small meals throughout the day, not eating before taking your medication, or limiting activity may help alleviate some of these effects.
Diarrhea can also be serious and may require hospital treatment. Tell your doctor right away if you have diarrhea with fever, diarrhea with stomach pain, or diarrhea 3 or more times in a day.
You may experience temporary hair loss while using Hycamtin. However, the hair will grow back normally once the treatment is over.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Hycamtin because he or she has judged that the benefit to you outweighs the risk of side effects. Many people use Hycamtin and no serious side effects occur.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects while using Hycamtin, including: Lung problems (such as cough, trouble breathing).
A very serious allergic reaction to Hycamtin is very rare. However, if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction to Hycamtin, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing Get medical help right away.
Below are Hycamtin side effects by likelihood.
Common side effects of Hycamtin include:
Anemia Low blood platelets Low white blood cell count Low neutrophil count Fever Pain Difficult breathing Diarrhea Stomatitis Constipation Hair loss Joint pain Low energy Excessive sweating Decreased appetite Headache Cough Nausea Vomiting Stomach cramps Pinching sensation on the skin Low energy and weakness A feeling of discomfort

Less common side effects of Hycamtin include:
Infection Pneumonia Stomach or bowel obstruction High levels of bilirubin in the blood Ear pain Menstrual pain Bone pain Chills Chest pain Abnormal liver function tests Nervous pain Rare side effects of Hycamtin include:
Sepsis caused by bacteria Thrombocytopenia Bleeding Inflammation Enteritis Allergic dermatitis Itching Skin rash Anaphylactic shock Angioedema Stomach or intestinal wall rupture Lung tissue problems Colitis Pain during sex Sensory disturbances This is not a complete list of the possible side effects of Hycamtin. If you notice other effects of Hycamtin not listed above, contact your doctor right away.

4. Measures to prevent side effects of Hycamtin

Before using Hycamtin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to this medicine and any other allergies if any. Hycamtin may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Before using Hycamtin, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: Kidney problems.
Hycamtin can make you feel weak or tired and alcohol and marijuana can make you more tired. Do not drive, use machines, or do anything that requires alertness while being treated with Hycamtin, until you can do so safely.
Hycamtin may make you more susceptible to infections or may worsen any existing infections. You should avoid contact with people who have infections that can be spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu) while being treated with Hycamtin.
Do not vaccinate / vaccinate during treatment with Hycamtin, without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received a live attenuated vaccine such as the nasal flu vaccine.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of Hycamtin, especially diarrhea and decreased bone marrow function.
Hycamtin may affect fertility in both men and women. Talk to your doctor about this before proceeding with treatment.
Before using Hycamtin, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using Hycamtin, because it can harm an unborn baby. Ask your doctor about reliable forms of birth control. Women should use contraception during treatment and for 6 months after stopping Hycamtin. Men should use contraception during treatment and for 3 months after stopping Hycamtin. If you or your partner becomes pregnant while using Hycamtin, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medicine.
We do not know if Hycamtin passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, doctors do not recommend breast-feeding while using Hycamtin and for 1 week after stopping it.

5. Interactions of Hycamtin

Drug interactions can change the way Hycamtin works or increase your risk of serious side effects. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you use. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine during treatment with Hycamtin, without your doctor's approval.
Other drugs may affect the removal of Hycamtin from your body, which may affect how it works. Such drugs include azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole), cyclosporin, macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), HIV protease inhibitors (such as ritonavir).

6. What to do when overdosing or forgetting to take Hycamtin?

If you or someone else has overdosed on Hycamtin and has severe symptoms such as fainting or difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately.
If you miss a dose of Hycamtin, skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the usual time, do not double the usual dose.

7. How to store Hycamtin

Store Hycamtin in the refrigerator, keep it away from children and pets. Dispose of Hycamtin appropriately when it has expired or is no longer needed by you.

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Reference source: webmd.com