Thiotepa Description

Generic Name : THIOTEPA

Pronunciation : (thye oh tep' a)

Trade Name(s) : Tespamine

Why it is prescribed: Thiotepa is chemotherapy that is given as a treatment for ovary or breast cancer. The purpose of chemotherapy is to control your illness so that your own body can aid in your recovery. It is important to build up your body's defense system, and a balanced diet is needed to build a healthy body. Ask your doctor for advice on your diet.

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

How it should be taken: Thiotepa, when prepared for use, becomes a clear liquid. It is given by intravenous route or is injected directly into the bladder.

Special Instruction :
1. If thiotepa is given into the bladder, it may irritate the bladder lining. This may mean that you want to pass urine more often (cystitis). Your doctor can prescribe medicine to reduce this feeling.
2. Thiotepa may be used to treat a non-cancerous condition of the eye. Thiotepa eye drops may cause some irritation of the skin around the eye. There may also be loss of color in the skin in this area.
3. While thiotepa is being given, it can cause pain at the place where the injection is made, or along the vein. If you feel pain, tell the doctor or nurse.

Side Effects : The degree and severity of the side effects depend on the amount and schedule of the administration of Thiotepa. The most common and important ill effects:
1. Low white blood counts
2. Low platelet count
3. Anemia
4. Hair loss
5. Soreness of the mouth, difficulty swallowing
6. Diarrhea

Other Precautions :
1. While you are using thiotepa, your doctor may want you to drink extra fluids so that you will pass more urine. This will help prevent kidney problems and keep your kidneys working well.
2. Thiotepa sometimes causes nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. However, it is very important that you continue to receive the medicine, even if you begin to feel ill. Ask your health care professional for ways to lessen these effects.
3. It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.
4. Before having any kind of surgery, including dental surgery, make sure the medical doctor or dentist in charge knows that you are taking this medicine.

Storage Conditions : Whether in its original powder form or in reconstituted solution, Thiotepa must be stored in the refrigerator. Reconstituted solutions may be kept for 5 days in a refrigerator without substantial loss of potency