Topotecan

Topotecan is approved for the treatment of lung, ovarian, and cervical cancer. This prescription chemotherapy medication works by interfering with the normal formation of DNA. The drug comes in capsule and injectable form, and is typically used once daily for three to five days, every 21 days. Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, and anemia.

What Is Topotecan?

Topotecan (Hycamtin®) is a prescription chemotherapy medication. The oral version of this medication is approved to treat lung cancer, and the intravenous (IV) form is approved to treat lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and cervical cancer.
 
(Click What Is Topotecan Used For? for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Are There Side Effects?

As with any medicine, topotecan may cause side effects. Like most forms of chemotherapy, topotecan is capable of causing serious side effects.
 
Some of the possible side effects include but are not limited to:
 
  • Anemia
  • Low white blood cells
  • Low blood platelets
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea.
     
(Click Side Effects of Topotecan to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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