DACTINOMYCIN

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cosmegen
GENERIC NAME(S): DACTINOMYCIN

Description: Dactinomycin interferes w/ DNA and RNA synthesis as well as protein synthesis. It is also immunosuppressive and possesses some hypocalcaemic activity.

Dactinomycin is used to treat cancer by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

How to use dactinomycin intravenous
Given by injection into a vein over a few minutes by a health care professional, usually once daily for 1 to 5 days or as directed by your doctor. Do not give into a muscle or under the skin. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience pain, burning, or redness at the injection site.

This medication may be harmful if it leaks into surrounding tissue when being given, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes. Wear protextive clothing when handling this medication.

Pregnant women should not handle this medicaiton.

Side effects may range from mild to serious complications.  Consult your doctor immediately when you feel the following symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, acne, and pain/redness at the injection site, Pain/sores in the mouth and throat,  unusual weakness/tiredness, muscle/joint pain, stomach pain, swelling hands/ankles/feet (edema), pain/redness/swelling of arms/legs, coughing up blood, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, unusual bleeding/bruising, bloody/black/tarry stools, severe abdominal pain, lower back/side (flank) pain, yellowing skin/eyes, red/pinkish/dark urine, painful/difficult urination, change in the amount of urine, severe blood and bone marrow problems (low red blood cells/white blood cells/platelets),  signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent sore throat).

Temporary hair loss is another common side effect. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended.

It can sometimes cause a serious skin reaction that looks likes a severe sunburn (radiation recall) when dactinomycin is given after radiation. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop skin redness/tenderness/swelling/peeling/blisters or painful/difficult swallowing.

Seek emergency medical help if you expereince allergies (rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing) or the symptoms mentioned above while taking this drug.

Inform your doctor of your allergies (food or drugs), medical conditions and  medical history before taking this drug, especially of: certain virus illnesses (herpes, chickenpox), liver problems, kidney problems, blood disorders (e.g., anemia, clotting problems), previous chemotherapy/radiation treatment. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose.

For pregnant and nursing (breastfeeding) women, consult your doctor before using this medication.

Before using this drug, tell your doctor of the current medications, products (herbal/nonprescription) that you are taking especially of: “blood thinners” (e.g., warfarin, enoxaparin), live vaccines (e.g., flu vaccine inhaled through the nose, typhoid/polio vaccine taken by mouth), salicylates/NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, sodium salicylate), aspirin.

Overdose
Get medical emergency help immediately when you experience symptoms of overdose.

Missed Dose
It is important to get your schedule dose for best treatment outcome.

Storage
Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic and will not be stored at home.

Brands
Available Brands
Trepar [ Korea United Pharma ]

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