Dactinomycin, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antibiotic; antineoplastic (anticancer)

Generic and brand names: actinomycin D; dactinomycin, injection; Cosmegen

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is a very strong antibiotic used to treat various types of cancer and tumors. This medicine may be used in combination with other anticancer drugs. The medicine is given by IV infusion.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• blood disorders
• kidney or liver disease
• ulcers.

Tell your provider if you have recently had:

• an infection such as chickenpox or shingles
• radiation therapy.

This medicine can affect sperm and cause birth defects. Use effective birth control during treatment, and for at least 3 months after treatment with this medicine.

Females of childbearing age: Do not receive this medicine if you are pregnant. Do not become pregnant during treatment. Talk to your healthcare provider if you need birth control. Do not breast-feed during this treatment.

How do I use it?

The infusions are given by your healthcare provider. You may also receive medicines to help prevent nausea and vomiting. You must receive this medicine on a regular schedule. Keep all your appointments for treatment.

If you miss a dose, call your healthcare provider for instructions.

What should I watch out for?

Blood tests may be required as often as daily while you are receiving this medicine. Keep all your appointments for blood tests.

This medicine can be very harmful if it comes into contact with your skin or eyes. Tell your provider right away if you have pain, redness, swelling, or irritation at the injection site.

This medicine can cause nausea and vomiting, sometimes even after receiving medicines to prevent it. Eating small, frequent meals may help.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.

You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.

This medicine may make your mouth sore. Use a soft bristle brush or mouth swab to brush your teeth.

This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, which may lead to painful sunburns. While you are taking this medicine, avoid long exposure to the sun. Wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunscreen lotion when you need to be outdoors. Do not use a sunlamp. If you get a severe sunburn, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Hair loss may occur during treatment with this medicine. The hair will grow back when treatment is lessened or stopped.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Except for nausea and vomiting, these side effects may not occur until 2 to 4 days after you had the shots. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you are unable to reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives, itching, rash, tightness in your chest, swelling of your lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Severe nausea and vomiting, fever, sore throat, chills, unusual bruising or bleeding, irritation at injection site, severe abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, unusual tiredness or weakness, trouble swallowing, yellowing of the skin or eyes, blood in urine or bowel movements.

Other: Diarrhea, loss of appetite, acne or rash, mouth sores, hair loss.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, this medicine may increase the effects of radiation treatments.

You should not get certain vaccinations while you are receiving this medicine. Ask your health care provider about this.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.