Mitomycin

What is MITOMYCIN?

(MITOMYCIN) Mitomycin is used to treat various types of cancer (such as stomach/pancreas cancer). It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

How should I use MITOMYCIN?

This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional. The dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to treatment.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take MITOMYCIN?

Before using mitomycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood/bleeding disorders (such as anemia, low blood cell counts), current infection, kidney disease, liver disease, radiation treatment. Tell your health care professional that you are using mitomycin before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose). Mitomycin can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details. To lower your risk of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using mitomycin. Mitomycin may harm an unborn baby. Men and women using this medication should ask about reliable forms of birth control during treatment. If you or your partner becomes pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What may interact with MITOMYCIN?

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: other anti-cancer drugs (especially vinca alkaloids such as vinblastine).

What should I watch for while using MITOMYCIN?

Mitomycin may cause serious blood and bone marrow disorders (such as low red blood cells/white blood cells/platelets). These problems can affect your body's ability to stop bleeding or fight infection. Tell your doctor right away if you develop easy bleeding/bruising or signs of an infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills). This drug may cause a certain serious, sometimes fatal side effect (hemolytic uremic syndrome). This condition may result in anemia, low platelet counts, and kidney problems. Blood transfusions may make the symptoms worse. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of the following signs: pink/bloody urine or change in the amount of urine.

What if I miss a dose of MITOMYCIN?

It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule.

What side effects may I notice from receiving MITOMYCIN?

See also Warning section. Nausea, vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, or loss of appetite may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Eating several small meals, not eating before treatment, or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended. Pain or sores in the mouth and throat may occur. Brush your teeth gently/carefully, avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol, and rinse your mouth often with cool water mixed with baking soda or salt. It may also be best to eat soft, moist foods. People using this medication may have serious side effects. However, you have been prescribed this drug because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk. Severe nausea and vomiting may rarely cause dehydration. Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any symptoms of dehydration such as unusual decreased urination, unusual dry mouth/increased thirst, lack of tears, dizziness/lightheadedness, or pale/wrinkled skin. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: unusual bleeding/bruising (such as small red spots on the skin, black/bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds), numbness/tingling feelings, unusual tiredness/weakness. If this medication accidentally leaks into the skin/muscle around the injection site, it may cause severe damage. Symptoms may occur both during treatment or weeks to months after receiving a dose. Tell your doctor right away if you notice redness, pain, or swelling at or near the injection site. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing (especially with cough). This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Where should I keep MITOMYCIN?

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