Mitomycin Description

Generic Name : MITOMYCIN

Pronunciation : (mye toe mye' sin)

Trade Name(s) : Mitodus, Mitomycin - C, Mitonco

Why it is prescribed: Mitomycin belongs to the group of medicines known as antineoplastics. Mitomycin is chemotherapy that is given as a treatment for some types of cancer. Mitomycin interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by mitomycin, other effects will also occur.

When it is to be taken: Mitomycin is to be administered only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor. It is available as Parenteral Injection.

How it should be taken: The dose of mitomycin will be different for different patients. The dose that is used may depend on a number of things, including what the medicine is being used for, the patient's size, and whether or not other medicines are also being taken. If you are receiving mitomycin at home, follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . If you have any questions about the proper dose of mitomycin, ask your doctor.

Special Instruction :
1. Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to mitomycin.
2. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you intend to have children. There is a chance that this medicine may cause birth defects if either the male or female is taking it at the time of conception or if it is taken during pregnancy. Studies have shown that mitomycin causes birth defects in animals. In addition, many cancer medicines may cause sterility which could be permanent. Although sterility has not been reported with this medicine, the possibility should be kept in mind.
3. Be sure that you have discussed this with your doctor before taking this medicine. It is best to use some kind of birth control while you are receiving mitomycin. Tell your doctor right away if you think you have become pregnant while receiving mitomycin.
4. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding or if you intend to breast-feed during treatment with this medicine. Because mitomycin may cause serious side effects, breast-feeding is generally not recommended while you are receiving it.

Side Effects :
1. Black, tarry stools; blood in urine or stools; cough or hoarseness; fever or chills; lower back or side pain; painful or difficult urination; pinpoint red spots on skin; unusual bleeding or bruising are less common.
2. Redness or pain, especially at place of injection can occur.
3. Cough; decreased urination; shortness of breath; sores in mouth and on lips; swelling of feet or lower legs.
4. Mitomycin can temporarily lower the number of white blood cells in your blood, increasing the chance of getting an infection. It can also lower the number of platelets, which are necessary for proper blood clotting. If this occurs, there are certain precautions you can take, especially when your blood count is low, to reduce the risk of infection or bleeding.

Other Precautions :
1. Although there is no specific information comparing use of mitomycin in children with use in other age groups, it is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.
2. Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of mitomycin in the elderly with use in other age groups.
3. The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of mitomycin. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially: Bleeding problems, Chickenpox or Herpes zoster.

Storage Conditions : Keep the drug away from children, as it is very harmful.