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Topotecan

Names

Hycamtin® Topotecan

Indications and usage

Topotecan is an FDA-approved cancer drug that is used to treat people who have certain types of cancer including acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This drug may cause a temporary loss of hair in some people. After treatment with topotecan has ended, normal hair growth should return.

Side effects needing medical attention

Black, tarry stools; blood in urine or stools; cough or hoarseness (accompanied by fever or chills); fever or chills; lower back or side pain (accompanied by fever or chills); painful or difficult urination (accompanied by fever or chills); pinhead-sized red spots on skin or rash, hives and/or itching; shortness of breath, troubled breathing or fast or irregular breathing; unusual bleeding or bruising; large, hive-like swellings on the face, eyelids, mouth, lips and/or tongue; puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes; tightness in chest or wheezing; unusual tiredness or weakness; changes in the skin color of the face.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is now Blood Cancer United. Learn more.