Mitomycin Injection

Mitomycin Injection
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WHAT MITOMYCIN IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR

As a single medicine or in a combination with other medicines, ‘Mitomycin can be used to treat different types of cancers in many different parts of the body as described below:-

  • In bladder cancer ‘Mitomycin’ can be given by injection or, alternatively introduced directly into the bladder after surgery to reduce the chances of a recurrence of the condition
  • Breast cancer and cancer of the neck of the womb (the cervix).
  • It shows some activity in cancers of the stomach, pancreas, lung, liver, head and neck, prostate, leukaemia (a disease of the blood) and certain other types of tumours.
  • It has a possible role with other anti-cancer medicines in cancer of the lower bowel, skin cancer and sarcomas (cancers of a particular kind of body tissue called connective tissue).
  • It has been successfully used in combination with surgery, before operations (in cases of cancer of the upper digestive tract) and after operations (in cases of cancer of the stomach).
  • It has been shown to be effective when used in combination with radiotherapy.

    • Mitomycin Injection – Taj Ando Pharmaceuticals, South Africa | In bladder cancer ‘Mitomycin’ can be given by injection or, alternatively introduced directly into the bladder after surgery to reduce the chances of a recurrence of the conditionMitomycin Injection – Taj Ando Pharmaceuticals, South Africa | In bladder cancer ‘Mitomycin’ can be given by injection or, alternatively introduced directly into the bladder after surgery to reduce the chances of a recurrence of the conditionMitomycin Injection – Taj Ando Pharmaceuticals, South Africa | In bladder cancer ‘Mitomycin’ can be given by injection or, alternatively introduced directly into the bladder after surgery to reduce the chances of a recurrence of the conditionMitomycin Injection – Taj Ando Pharmaceuticals, South Africa | In bladder cancer ‘Mitomycin’ can be given by injection or, alternatively introduced directly into the bladder after surgery to reduce the chances of a recurrence of the condition

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

If you notice any of the following severe reactions tell your doctor immediately:

  • severe breathlessness
  • pneumonia – fever, chills, shortness of breath or a cough
  • severe allergic reaction – you may experience a sudden itchy rash (hives), swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, face, lips, mouth or throat (which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing), and you may feel you are going to faint.

If you experience any of the following tell your doctor as soon as possible:

  • fever on the day of treatment
  • loss of appetite and weight loss
  • tiredness, weakness and headache
  • feeling or being sick (this may shortly disappear during treatment)
  • high blood pressure or flushing
  • pain, swelling, redness or tenderness at the site of the injection
  • sores mouth and mouth ulcers
  • diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort or constipation
  • hardening, thickening, redness, tenderness or swelling of the tips of the fingers and hair loss
  • changes in urinating or pain when urinating
  • ridging of nails, blisters on pressure points e.g. elbows
  • easily pick up infections
  • reduced blood flow to the fingers, toes and tip of the nose
  • bleeding and bruising
  • Severe damage and potentially rupture of the wall of the bladder resulting in severe lower abdominal pain, difficulty or inability to pass urine, and possibly blood in the urine.
  • severe damage to the penis resulting in pain in the penis, abnormal colour of the penis and potential difficulty in passing urine.
  • Kidney or liver problems have also been reported.
  • Your doctor will monitor your kidney (urine test) and liver (blood test) regularly.

HOW TO STORE MITOMYCIN

  • Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Mitomyicin should be kept in its original packaging.
  • Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label after “Exp Date”.
  • The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
  • Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste.
  • Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use.
  • These measures will help to protect the environment.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU USE MITOMYCIN

Do not use Mitomycin if you:

  • are allergic (hypersensitive) to mitomycin or any of the other ingredients of Mitomycin
  • have certain types of blood disorders (ask your doctor for advice).

Take special care with Mitomycin if you:

 

  • have liver or kidney problems
  • side effects of mitomycin may be more noticeable
  • are capable of child-bearing as mitomycin may affect your ability to have children in the future
  • have been told that you have bone marrow depression (your bone marrow is not able to make the blood cells that you need)
  • it may be made worse (especially in the elderly)
  • infection (including chickenpox) may be aggravated due to bone marrow depression and may lead to fatal conditions.
  • Special attention will be paid if this product is given to the elderly or to children due to the possible side effects in these age groups.
  • You will be given the treatment under the supervision of a healthcare professional who is experienced in this particular branch of medicine to minimise any unwanted side effects in the injection site.

 

Other medicines and Mitomycin

 

  • Please tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription, or been given other treatments (e.g. radiotherapy).
  • When given together with certain other cancer treatment there have been some reports of problems related to bone marrow and the occurrence of cancer involving various types of blood cells.

 

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

 

  • You should not be given ‘Mitomycin’ if you are pregnant, may be pregnant or if you are breast -feeding.
  • Ask your doctor for advice before taking any medicine.

 

Driving and using machines

 

  • A few people have reported that they feel tired or weak after the treatment.
  • Do not drive or use any tools or machines if you are affected.

 

HOW TO USE MITOMYCIN
Always use the medicine as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

‘Mitomycin’ is usually given by injection or as an infusion (with a drip). However in the treatment or the prevention of the recurrence of bladder cancer, a solution of ‘Mitomycin’ will be given directly into the bladder through a type of tube called a catheter.

The precise dosage, frequency of dosing and duration of treatment with ‘Mitomycin’ will depend on your age, weight, medical condition and whether ‘Mitomycin’ is being given in combination with other drug treatment.

For example, when given by injection the recommended dose is in the range of 4-10 mg given at 1-6 weekly intervals. A course ranging from 40-80 mg is often required for a satisfactory result when used alone or in combination with other treatments. Thus, the period of treatment could last from just a few weeks up to a number of months, depending on the condition being treated.

In the treatment of bladder cancer, the recommended dose is 20-40mg administered into the bladder, weekly or three times a week for a total of 20 doses. The dosage may be decreased if side effects are a problem.

If during treatment you develop a dry cough, breathlessness, rapid breathing or anything else which suggests your lungs might be affected, you may require to be monitored by X-rays of your chest that could continue up to 4 weeks after the end of treatment.

If you are given more Mitomycin than you should
If you have been accidentally given a higher dose you may experience symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting and blood disorders. Your doctor may give you supportive treatment for any symptoms that may occur.