Mithracin

Mithracin is an antineoplastic used for the treatment of certain types of cancer. Hypercalcemia or hypercalciuria associated with cancer can also be treated with this drug.

This drug is to be administered by or under the immediate care of your healthcare professional.

Before using Mithracin, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.

This drug can cause serious side effects in any patient and it is essential that you discuss with your child’s healthcare professional about the possible effects. It is still unknown whether this drug works exactly the same way in younger adults or if it causes different side effects or problems in older people.

Data comparing the use of plicamycin in the elderly with use in other age groups are still unavailable. Proof of fetal abnormalities has been reported in studies of animals and pregnant women. This drug is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant because the risk clearly outweighs any possible benefit. Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding.

Discuss with your healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits of taking this drug while breastfeeding. Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as:

• Live Rotavirus Vaccine
• Live Adenovirus Vaccine Type 4
• Live Adenovirus Vaccine Type 7
• Live Bacillus of Calmette and Guerin Vaccine
• Live Influenza Virus Vaccine
• Live Measles Virus Vaccine
• Live Mumps Virus Vaccine
• Live Poliovirus Vaccine
• Live Rubella Virus Vaccine
• Smallpox Vaccine
• Typhoid Vaccine
• Varicella Virus Vaccine
• Yellow Fever Vaccine

Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as:

• Bleeding problems
• Blood disease
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Chickenpox
• Herpes zoster

To use Mithracin properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite have been associated with this drug. It is recommended to continue to receive the drug, even if you begin to feel ill. The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients. The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed.

The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug. The dose in adults and children with cancer may depend on a number of things, including what the drug is being used for, the patient's weight, and whether or not other drugs are also being taken.

If you are receiving plicamycin at home, follow your healthcare professional's orders or the directions on the label.

Take this drug exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by your healthcare professional if you have any questions about the proper dose of this drug. The dose in adults with hypercalcemia or hypercalciuria is based on body weight and must be determined by your healthcare professional.

The initial dose is 15 to 25 micrograms per kg of body weight a day, injected slowly into a vein. The dose is given over a period of four to six hours once a day for three to four days.

Your healthcare professional may repeat the treatment if necessary. The dose in children must be determined by your healthcare professional.

If you take Mithracin, your doctor should perform routine checkups and advise you in taking precautions Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug.

You will be advised to follow a low-calcium and low vitamin D diet. Check with your healthcare professional before you take aspirin or large amounts of any other preparations containing aspirin, other salicylates, or acetaminophen.

It is recommended to avoid any immunizations while you are being treated with this drug, and after you stop treatment with it to prevent acquiring the infection the immunization is meant to prevent. Persons living in your household are advised to avoid taking oral polio vaccine since there is a chance they could pass the polio virus on to you.

Avoid any form of contact with people who just had their polio vaccine and consider wearing a protective face mask that covers the nose and mouth. This drug can cause leukopenia and thrombocytopenia which can increase the risk of infection or bleeding. It is recommended to avoid people with infections.

Check with your healthcare professional immediately if you think you are getting an infection or if you get a fever or chills. Check with your healthcare professional immediately if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising. Be careful when using a regular toothbrush, dental floss, or toothpick.

Your medical health care professional, dentist, or nurse may recommend other ways to clean your teeth and gums. Check with your medical health care professional before having any dental work done. Touching your eyes or the inside of your nose is not recommended unless you have just washed your hands and have not touched anything else in the meantime.

Be careful not to cut yourself when you are using sharp objects such as a safety razor or fingernail or toenail cutters. Contact sports or other situations where bruising or injury could occur should be avoided.

Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur while taking Mithracin. Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms.

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine, the side effects will slowly disappear.

Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.