Your doctor has ordered the drug thiotepa to help treat your illness. The drug is given by injection into a vein; it also may be injected into the spinal cord space or instilled into the bladder.
bladder tumors
ovarian cancer
breast cancer
lymphomas
bronchogenic carcinoma
pleural, pericardial, or peritoneal infusions caused by metastatic tumors
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Thiotepa is in a class of drugs known as alkylating agents; it slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in your body. The length of treatment depends on the types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you have.
Thiotepa is also used to prevent pterygium from returning after surgery and to treat malignant meningeal neoplasms. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.
thinned or brittle hair
loss of appetite or weight
pain at the injection site
tightness of the throat
headache
fatigue
painful urination or red urine
black, tarry stools
unusual bruising or bleeding
cough
sore throat
fever
dizziness
chills
shortness of breath or wheezing
pain or numbness in the lower limbs
abdominal pain
nausea and vomiting
hives, rash, or itching
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep thiotepa in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Drink plenty of fluids. Drink about ten 8-ounce (240-milliliter) glasses of fluid and urinate frequently during the first 24 hours after treatment to keep your kidneys working.
The most common side effect of thiotepa is a decrease in the number of blood cells. Your doctor may order tests before, during, and after your treatment to see if your blood cells are affected by the drug.
Last Reviewed - 02/01/2012
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.