Dactinomycin (Injection)

Dactinomycin (dak-ti-noe-MYE-sin)

Treats several different types of cancer. This medicine may be used alone or combined with other medicines.

Brand Name(s):

Cosmegen
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to dactinomycin, if you have chickenpox or shingles (herpes zoster) or have been exposed recently, or if you are pregnant.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It may also be given by a home health caregiver.
• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins or arteries.
• You may also receive medicines to help prevent nausea and vomiting.
• Do not get this medicine on your skin or in your eyes. This medicine can be very harmful if it comes into contact with these areas, or if any medicine leaks out of the IV needle. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel any burning, pain, redness, blistering, or swelling while you are receiving this medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also receiving any other treatments for cancer, including radiation.
• Do not receive any vaccines (such as flu shots) without asking your doctor.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, if you have kidney or liver disease, or if you have ever been treated with radiation.
• Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections.
• Cancer medicines can cause nausea and/or vomiting in most people, sometimes even after receiving medicines to prevent it. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control these side effects.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• Some of the side effects of dactinomycin may not happen until a few days after you stop using the medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Diarrhea
• Fever, chills, sore throat
• Painful sores or white patches in your mouth or throat
• Severe swelling, redness, or peeling skin on your hands or feet
• Uncontrollable nausea or vomiting
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Loss of appetite, mild nausea and vomiting
• Tiredness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.