Mitomycin is used in combination with other drugs to treat stomach cancer or pancreatic cancer. This drug is used to treat these cancers in cases where other therapies have not been effective or successful.
What is Mitomycin?
Mitomycin is a chemotherapy drug. It works by stopping the growth of cancer cells.
How should Mitomycin be taken?
Mitomycin is typically administered intravenously via injection.
Side effects associated with Mitomycin
Mitomycin can cause severe bone marrow suppression associated with thrombocytopenia and leukopenia. Under these conditions, the drug can increase the risk of severe bleeding and fatal infections. In addition, mitomycin can increase the risk of hemolytic-uremic syndrome.
Among the other possible side effects of mitomycin include the following:
- Hair loss
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itch
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in chest
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
- Chest pain
- Decreased urination
- Dizziness
- Dry cough
- Fever, chills or sore throat
- Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling or sores in the mouth, lips, hands or feet
- Bleeding or bruising
- Tiredness or weakness
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Mitomycin
Before starting treatment with mitomycin, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or any other drugs or food
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: vinca alkaloids, tamoxifen, doxorubicin and other anticancer drugs
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, coagulation disorders, bleeding disorders, respiratory problems, kidney disease, bone marrow problems, shingles or chickenpox
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
