Dactinomycin
About Dactinomycin
Dactinomycin belongs to the group of medicines called antibiotics indicated in the treatment of Wilms' tumour (kidney cancer), rhabdomyosarcoma (muscle cancer), Ewing's sarcoma (bone cancer), melanoma (skin cancer), and cancer of the uterus and testis.
Dactinomycin contains Dactinomycin, which works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. It prevents the reproduction of abnormal cells associated with cancer. Thereby, it helps treat cancer.
In some cases, Dactinomycin may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhoea, stomach pain, and fever. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and resolve over time. Do not be reluctant to talk with your doctor if any of the side effects persist or worsen.
Let the doctor know if you are allergic to any components in Dactinomycin. Dactinomycin is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Dactinomycin
Medicinal Benefits
Dactinomycin belongs to the group of medicines called antibiotics indicated in the treatment of Wilms' tumour (kidney cancer), rhabdomyosarcoma (muscle cancer), Ewing's sarcoma (bone cancer), melanoma (skin cancer), testicular cancer, and gestational trophoblastic tumours (a type of tumour that forms inside a woman's uterus while she is pregnant). Dactinomycin contains Dactinomycin, which works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. It prevents the reproduction of abnormal cells associated with cancer. Thereby, it helps treat cancer.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Dactinomycin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Fatigue
- Stomach pain
- Fever
Drug Warnings
Do not use Dactinomycin if you are allergic to any of its components if you have chickenpox or shingles, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult the doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment with Dactinomycin. Inform the doctor if you have/had bone marrow problems, liver or kidney problems, if you are undergoing radiation therapy or if you have received X-ray treatment. Seek medical attention if you experience pain, itching, redness, blisters, swelling, or sores at the site of injection. Let the doctor know if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements or herbal products.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking anti-bacterial medicines, anti-cancer (imatinib), or colony-stimulating factors (pegfilgrastim, filgrastim).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform the doctor if you have chickenpox, infections, bone marrow suppression, or hepatic or renal toxicity.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known if alcohol interacts with Dactinomycin. Please consult the doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafeDactinomycin should not be used during pregnancy as it may cause foetal harm. Consult the doctor if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or if you think you are pregnant.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while on treatment with Dactinomycin.
Driving
cautionDactinomycin may affect your alertness. Drive or operate heavy machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionIf you have a history of liver problems, inform the doctor before receiving Dactinomycin.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a history of kidney problems, inform the doctor before receiving Dactinomycin.
Children
safe if prescribedDactinomycin is safe for use in children if prescribed by the doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Include vegetables, whole grains and fruits in your diet.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
- Limit fast food, processed meat, highly processed foods and beverages, and salty snacks.
Special Advise
- Men with partners of reproductive potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for three months after the last dose.
- Women should use effective birth control during treatment and for six months after the last dose.
- Any spills or splashes of Dactinomycin must be washed off immediately with lots of water or saline (salt water). Immediate medical attention is advised.
- Regular monitoring of blood count is recommended.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Wilms' tumour: Wilms' tumour, also called nephroblastoma, is a type of kidney cancer that mostly affects children. It is the most common form of childhood kidney cancer. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, abnormal urine colour, fever, constipation, loss of appetite, sweating at night, and blood in urine.
Rhabdomyosarcoma: Rhabdomyosarcoma is a cancerous of the muscles attached to the bones. It mostly affects children. Signs and symptoms may include a lump or swelling that gets bigger or doesn't go away, headache, blood in urine, and bulging of the eyes.
Ewing's sarcoma: Ewing's sarcoma, or bone cancer, is a cancer that occurs in and around the bones. It typically occurs in children and young adults. Symptoms include bone pain, tenderness, swelling, and bone fractures.
Melanoma: Melanoma or skin cancer occurs when melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) become cancerous. Symptoms are new, unusual growth or a change in an existing mole.
Testicular cancer: Testicular cancer, also called malignant neoplasm of the testis, is cancer in the male organs that make testicles/sperm and male hormones. Symptoms include a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum and a lump in either of the testicles.
Gestational trophoblastic tumours: It is a type of tumour that forms inside a woman's uterus during pregnancy. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and dark brown to bright red vaginal bleeding during the first trimester.
FAQs
Dactinomycin is indicated in the treatment of Wilms' tumour (kidney cancer), rhabdomyosarcoma (muscle cancer), Ewing's sarcoma (bone cancer), melanoma (skin cancer), and cancer of the uterus and testis.
Dactinomycin works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. Thereby, it helps treat cancer.
Dactinomycin may affect blood cell count, leading to an increased risk of infections. Wash your hands frequently and avoid contact with sick people. Consult the doctor if you develop signs of infection.
Do not receive any live vaccinations before or during treatment with Dactinomycin. Let the doctor know if you are due to undergo any vaccination.
Dactinomycin may cause fertility problems as a side effect. Consult the doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
