Streptozocin

Uses

Streptozocin is used to treat cancer of the pancreas that has gotten worse or spread to other parts of the body. Streptozocin is in a class of medications called alkylating agents. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in your body.

Side Effects Of Streptozocin

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

  • diarrhea
  • feeling tired
  • depression

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 in the place where the medication was injected.
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • shakiness
  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • sweating
  • confusion
  • nervousness or irritability
  • sudden changes in behavior or mood
  • headache
  • numbness or tingling around the mouth
  • sudden hunger
  • seizures
  • excessive thirst
  • frequent urination

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

Warnings & Precautions

Before receiving streptozocin:

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to streptozocin, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in streptozocin 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 the medications listed in the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS section and any of the following: certain chemotherapy medications such as carboplatin (Paraplatin), cisplatin (Platinol), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar), or doxorubicin (Adriamycin, Doxil); and phenytoin (Dilantin). Your doctor may need to monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with streptozocin, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You should not become pregnant or breast-feed during your treatment with streptozocin. If you become pregnant while receiving streptozocin, call your doctor. Streptozocin may harm the fetus.
  • you should know that streptozocin may make you drowsy or confused. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

Dosage Of Streptozocin

Streptozocin comes as a powder to be mixed with liquid and given intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor or nurse in a medical facility. It may be injected once a day for 5 days in a row every 6 weeks or it may be injected once a week. The length of treatment depends on how well your body responds to treatment with streptozocin.

Your doctor may need to delay your treatment or adjust 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 streptozocin 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.