What is the most important information I should know about mitomycin? Back to top

Mitomycin should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Serious side effects have been reported with the use of mitomycin including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; or fever, chills, or signs of infection); kidney damage (little or no urine production, blood in the urine, lower back or side pain, difficulty urinating, or swelling of the ankles or feet); lung and heart problems; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with mitomycin.

Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you notice redness, pain or swelling at the place of injection or anywhere else on your skin.

What is mitomycin? Back to top

Mitomycin is an antineoplastic medication. Mitomycin interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Mitomycin is used to treat cancer of the stomach and pancreas.

Mitomycin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using mitomycin? Back to top

Do not use mitomycin without first talking to your doctor if you have

• kidney disease;
• poorly functioning bone marrow; or
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder

The use of mitomycin may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Mitomycin may be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use mitomycin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Discuss with your doctor the appropriate use of birth control during treatment with mitomycin if necessary.

It is not know whether mitomycin passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding should be avoided during treatment with mitomycin.

How should I use mitomycin? Back to top

Mitomycin should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with mitomycin depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.

Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you notice redness, pain or swelling at the place of injection or anywhere else on your skin.

Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with mitomycin to monitor progress and side effects.

Your healthcare provider will store mitomycin as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing mitomycin at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.

What happens if I miss a dose? Back to top

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of mitomycin.

What happens if I overdose? Back to top

If, for any reason an overdose of mitomycin is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Symptoms of a mitomycin overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe.

What should I avoid while using mitomycin? Back to top

Mitomycin can lower the activity of the immune system making you more susceptible to infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. In addition, do not receive vaccines that contain a live strain of the virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) and avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live virus.

What are the possible side effects of mitomycin? Back to top

If you experience any of the following serious side effects from mitomycin, contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• kidney damage (little or no urine production, blood in the urine, lower back or side pain, difficulty urinating, or swelling of the ankles or feet);
• decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; or fever, chills, or signs of infection);
• redness, pain or swelling at the place of injection or elsewhere on the skin;
• severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite; or
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking mitomycin and talk to your doctor if you experience:

• mild to moderate nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite;
• headache;
• blurred vision;
• drowsiness or dizziness;
• weakness; or
• confusion.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect mitomycin? Back to top

Do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment with mitomycin. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous during treatment with mitomycin.

Other drugs may also interact with mitomycin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, during treatment with mitomycin.

Where can I get more information? Back to top

Your healthcare provider may have additional information about mitomycin that you may read.