Plicamycin, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer)

Generic and brand names: plicamycin, injection; Mithracin

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) to treat cancer of the testicles. It is also used to treat hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood) or hypercalciuria (loss of large amounts of calcium through the urine) caused by cancer or other diseases. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• bleeding or bone marrow problems
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• low blood levels of calcium, magnesium, potassium, or phosphate

Tell your healthcare provider if you currently have an infection of any kind.

This medicine may make you sterile (unable to have children) whether you are a man or a woman. If you plan to have children someday, talk with your healthcare provider before you start treatment.

Females of childbearing age: Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. This medicine has been reported to cause birth defects. Use an effective birth control method while you are taking this medicine. Stop taking this medicine at the first sign that you may be pregnant and contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

How do I use it?

Infusions of this medicine are usually given in the hospital. Healthcare providers will observe you for side effects and will treat them right away.

What should I watch out for?

You will need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.

This medicine may cause nausea and vomiting. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medicine to keep you from feeling sick and throwing up. If this medicine does not help, tell your healthcare provider.

You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.

This medicine may make your mouth sore. Use a soft bristle brush or mouth swab to brush your teeth.

Do not drink alcohol or take aspirin while receiving this medicine. It may increase the risk of bleeding. Report any unusual bleeding or bruising to your healthcare provider.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.

Drink plenty of water while you are receiving this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Fever, sore throat, rash, chills, unusual bleeding or bruising, bloody nose, black tarry stools, dark urine, blood in the urine, pain at the injection site, reduced amount of urine passed, lower back pain, pain or difficulty passing urine, yellowish skin or eyes.

Other: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, stomach pain, sores in the mouth or on the lips, headache, drowsiness, weakness, facial flushing.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• aspirin or other salicylates
• live vaccines

Do not drink alcohol while you are receiving this medicine.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.

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Published by RelayHealth.
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