Mitomycin

Uses

Mitomycin is used in combination with other medications to treat cancer of the stomach or pancreas that has spread to other parts of the body and has not improved or worsened after treatment with other medications, surgery, or radiation therapy. Mitomycin is a type of antibiotic that is only used in cancer chemotherapy. It slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in your body.

Side Effects Of Mitomycin

Mitomycin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

  • pain, itching, redness, swelling, blisters, or sores on the skin especially near the injection site
  • shortness of breath
  • difficulty breathing
  • fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat

Mitomycin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.

Warnings & Precautions

Before receiving mitomycin:

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to mitomycin, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in mitomycin injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention if you have ever received doxorubicin (Adriamycin, Rubex). Your doctor may need to monitor you carefully for side effects.
  • tell your doctor if you have a blood or bleeding disorder or if you recently noticed any unusual bruising or bleeding. Your doctor may not want you to receive a mitomycin injection.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You should not breast-feed during your treatment with mitomycin.

Dosage Of Mitomycin

Mitomycin comes as a powder to be mixed with liquid and injected intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor or nurse in a medical facility. It is usually injected once every 6 to 8 weeks.

Your doctor may need to delay your treatment or change your dose if you experience certain side effects. It is important for you to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with mitomycin injection.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.

Other

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Source

All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.