Topotecan (Hycamtin®)

Topotecan is a chemotherapy drug that is given as a treatment for some types of cancer. It's mainly used to treat ovarian cancer|, small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and advanced cervical cancer. This information describes topotecan, how it is given and some of its possible side effects. It should ideally be read with our general information about chemotherapy| and about your type of cancer.

If you have any further questions you can ask your doctor or nurse at the hospital where you are having your treatment, or speak to one of our cancer support specialists|.

What topotecan looks like Back to top

Topotecan is a colourless fluid after being dissolved from a powder. It is also available as yellow-white capsules of 0.25mg and as opaque-pink capsules of 1mg. The capsules are only used to treat people with SCLC that has come back (relapsed) after initial treatment.

How it is given Back to top

Topotecan may be given as a drip (infusion):

• through a fine tube (cannula) placed into the vein, usually in the back of the hand
• through a fine plastic tube that is inserted under the skin into a vein near the collarbone (central line)
• into a fine tube that is inserted into a vein in the crook of your arm (PICC line).

Topotecan can also be taken as capsules that should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. The capsules can be taken with or without food. Your doctor may want you to take a combination of 0.5mg and 1mg capsules. You need to make sure that you are taking the right dose and that you don't take too much or too little.

Chemotherapy is usually given as a course of several sessions (or cycles) of treatment over a few months. The length of your treatment and the number of cycles you have will depend on the type of cancer for which you are being treated. Your nurse or doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.

Possible side effects Back to top

Each person’s reaction to chemotherapy is different. Some people have very few side effects, while others may experience more. The side effects described in this information will not affect everyone who is given topotecan, and may be different if you are having more than one chemotherapy drug.

We have outlined the most common side effects and those that are less common, so that you can be aware of them if they occur. However, we have not included those which are very rare and therefore extremely unlikely to affect you. If you notice any effects which you think may be due to the drug, but which are not listed in this information, please discuss them with your doctor, chemotherapy nurse or pharmacist.

Lowered resistance to infection Topotecan can reduce the production of white blood cells by the bone marrow, making you more prone to infection|. This effect can begin seven days after treatment has been given, and your resistance to infection usually reaches its lowest point around nine days after chemotherapy. Your blood cells will then increase steadily over the next seven days, and will usually have returned to normal levels before your next cycle of chemotherapy is due.

Contact your doctor or the hospital straight away if:

• your temperature goes above 38ºC (100.5ºF)
• you suddenly feel unwell (even with a normal temperature).

You will have a blood test before having more chemotherapy, to make sure that your cells have recovered. Occasionally it may be necessary to delay your treatment if the number of blood cells (the blood count) is still low.

Bruising or bleeding Topotecan can reduce the production of platelets (which help the blood to clot). Let your doctor know if you have any unexplained bruising or bleeding, such as nosebleeds, blood spots or rashes on the skin, or bleeding gums.

Anaemia (low number of red blood cells) While having treatment with topotecan you may become anaemic. This may make you feel tired and breathless. Let your doctor or nurse know if these symptoms are a problem.

Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting) If you do feel sick, this may begin a few hours after the treatment is given and can last for up to a day. This is usually mild and your doctor can prescribe very effective anti-sickness (anti-emetic) drugs to prevent, or greatly reduce, nausea and vomiting|. If the sickness isn't controlled or continues, tell your doctor, who can prescribe other anti-sickness drugs which may be more effective. Some anti-sickness drugs can cause constipation. Let your doctor or nurse know if this is a problem.

Loss of appetite This is also usually mild and may last a day or so. A dietitian or specialist nurse at your hospital can give you advice about boosting your appetite, coping with eating difficulties| and maintaining weight.

Hair loss This usually starts 3–4 weeks after the first dose of topotecan. Your hair may fall out completely or it may just get thinner. You may also have thinning and loss of eyelashes, eyebrows and other body hair. This is temporary and your hair will regrow once the treatment is finished. Your nurse can give you advice about coping with hair loss|. 

Tiredness and feeling weak You may feel very tired|. It is important to allow yourself plenty of time to rest.

Less common side effects Back to top

Sore mouth and ulcers Your mouth may become sore|, or you may notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids, and cleaning your teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush, can help to reduce the risk of this happening. Tell your nurse or doctor if you have any of these problems, as special mouthwashes and medicines to prevent or clear any mouth infection can be prescribed.

Taste changes You may notice that your food tastes different. Normal taste will usually come back after the treatment finishes.

Diarrhoea This can usually be easily controlled with medicine, but tell your doctor if it is severe or if it continues. It's important to drink plenty of fluids if you have diarrhoea|.

Additional information Back to top

Risk of blood clots Cancer can increase your risk of developing a blood clot (thrombosis), and having chemotherapy may increase this risk further. A blood clot may cause symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling in a leg, or breathlessness and chest pain. Blood clots can be very serious so it is important to tell your doctor straightaway if you have any of these symptoms. However, most clots can usually be successfully treated with drugs to thin the blood. Your doctor or nurse can give you more information.

Other medicines Some medicines (including those you can buy in a shop or chemist) can be harmful to take when you are having chemotherapy. Let your doctor know about any medications you are taking, including non-prescribed drugs such as complementary therapies and herbal drugs.

Fertility Your ability to become pregnant or father a child may be affected by taking this drug. It's important to discuss fertility| with your doctor before starting treatment.

Contraception It is not advisable to become pregnant or father a child while taking topotecan, as the developing foetus may be harmed. It is important to use effective contraception while taking this drug, and for at least a few months afterwards. Again, discuss this with your doctor.

Things to remember about topotecan capsules Back to top

• It's important to take your capsules at the right times. You must take them as directed by your doctor, specialist nurse or pharmacist.
• Keep the capsules in the original packaging and store them in the fridge and away from direct sunlight.
• Keep the capsules in a safe place out of the reach of children, as capecitabine could harm them.
• If your doctor decides to stop the treatment, return any remaining capsules to the pharmacist. Do not flush them down the toilet or throw them away.
• If you are sick just after taking the capsules let your doctor know as you may need to take another dose. Don't take another capsule without first telling your doctor.
• If you forget to take a capsule, don't take a double dose. Inform your doctor and keep to your regular dose schedule.

References Back to top

This section is based on our Topotecan factsheet which has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources, including:

• Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference (35th edition). Eds. Sweetman et al. Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.
• British National Formulary (56th edition). British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, September 2008.
• The Medicines.org.uk website – www.medicines.org.uk (June 2009).
• The Chemotherapy Source Book (4th edition). Ed. Perry. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2007.

For further references, please see general bibliography|.