What is the most important information I should know about mitomycin?
Mitomycin should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare
provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
Serious side effects have been reported with the use of mitomycin including: allergic
reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding;
black, bloody or tarry stools; or fever, chills, or signs of infection); kidney damage (little or no urine
production, blood in the urine, lower back or side pain, difficulty urinating, or swelling of the ankles
or feet); lung and heart problems; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects
from treatment with mitomycin.
Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you notice redness, pain or swelling at the place of
injection or anywhere else on your skin.
What is mitomycin?
Mitomycin is an antineoplastic medication. Mitomycin interferes with the growth of cancer
cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
Mitomycin is used to treat cancer of the stomach and pancreas.
Mitomycin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using mitomycin?
Do not use mitomycin without first talking to your doctor if you have
The use of mitomycin may be dangerous if you have any of the
conditions listed above.
Mitomycin may be harmful to an unborn baby.
Do not use mitomycin
without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant. Discuss with your doctor the appropriate use
of
birth control during treatment with mitomycin if necessary.
It is not know whether mitomycin passes into breast milk.
Breast-feeding should be
avoided during treatment with mitomycin.
How should I use mitomycin?
Mitomycin should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare
provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with mitomycin
depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have
any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.
Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you notice redness, pain or swelling at the place of
injection or anywhere else on your skin.
Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other
medical evaluations during treatment with mitomycin to monitor progress and side effects.
Your healthcare provider will store mitomycin as directed by the manufacturer. If you are
storing mitomycin at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of mitomycin.
What happens if I overdose?
If, for any reason an overdose of mitomycin is suspected, seek emergency medical
attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Symptoms of a mitomycin overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the
medication, although often more severe.
What should I avoid while using mitomycin?
Mitomycin can lower the activity of the immune system making you more susceptible to
infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. In
addition, do not receive vaccines that contain a live strain of the virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine)
and avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live virus.
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