Health Library

Dactinomycin (By injection)

Dactinomycin (dak-tin-oh-MYE-sin)

Treats cancer.

Brand Name(s):

Cosmegen, DACTINomycin Novaplus

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through an IV placed in a vein.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• Tell your doctor right away if you get this medicine into your eyes or on your skin. This medicine can be very harmful if it touches these areas or if it leaks out of the injection site. Wash your eyes with water, saline, or an irrigating eye solution for at least 15 minutes. Wash the affected skin area with water or apply ice for at least 15 minutes.
• Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not receive this medicine within 2 months of a previous radiation treatment.
• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Male patients with female partners should use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine and for 14 days after your last dose.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or any type of infection. Tell your doctor if you have been treated with radiation.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk of other cancer (including leukemia)
  • Liver problems
  • Serious skin reactions
  • Kidney problems
• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• Cancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
• Burning, pain, redness, swelling, blistering, or skin changes where the needle is placed
• Change in the amount or frequency of urination
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Swelling, painful sores, or white patches in your mouth or throat
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, mild nausea or vomiting
• Hair loss
• Trouble swallowing

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024