An antibiotic/antineoplastic - It is used to treat many kinds of cancer like Wilms' tumor, some sarc... more
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Powder and solution are highly toxic (e.g., corrosive, carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic). (See Toxicity and Adequate Patient Monitoring under Cautions.)
Handle and administer with care; avoid inhalation of dust or vapors and contact with skin or mucous membranes, especially the eyes. (See IV Administration under Dosage and Administration.)
Avoid exposure during pregnancy. (See Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality under Cautions.)
Highly corrosive to soft tissue; severe damage to soft tissues if extravasation occurs. Contracture of the arms has been reported. (See Local Effects under Cautions.)
Administer only under the supervision of a qualified clinician experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
DACTINOMYCIN (dak ti noe MYE sin) is a chemotherapy drug. It is used to treat many kinds of cancer like Wilms' tumor, some sarcomas, and placental and testicular cancers. It is also used to treat other solid tumors.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
This drug is given as an infusion into a vein. It is administered in a hospital or clinic by a specially trained health care professional.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 months of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine. You will need important blood work done while you are taking this medicine.
This drug may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon, as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.
Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.
Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medicine.
Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.
Last Updated: April 07, 2009
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