THIOTEPA
Background and Date of Approval
Thiotepa is an antineoplastic medication approved for medical use by the FDA on 4 February 2001.
Uses
Thiotepa is used for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in pediatric patients with class 3 beta-thalassemia. It is also used in treating adenocarcinoma of breast and ovary and superficial papillary cancer of the urinary bladder.
How is it administered?
Thiotepa is available in two doses of 15mg and 100mg as powder for injection.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with thiotepa include, cytomegaloviruss infection, hemorrhage, diarrhea, rashes and blood in urine.
Warnings
Since thiotepa destroys the bone marrow cells, your doctor will conduct regular blood tests during the treatment to keep a check on your blood cell count. Report to your doctor if you have any liver, kidney, heart or lung conditions before starting treatment with this medication. Inform your doctor if you have or have had epilepsy while being treated in the past with other medication. This medication may cause a second cancer in the future; hence it is best to discuss the risk and benefits of thiotepa with your doctor. Your doctor will give you anti-infectives during treatment with this medicine to prevent and mange any infections that will occur.
Precautions
Effective contraception is to be used by both men and women while being treated with thiotepa. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to get pregnant, breastfeeding, before starting treatment with this medication. Thioptepa can cause fertility issues in both men and women, hence, it is advised to discuss any fertility concern you may have before beginning treatment with this medicine. This medicine is likely to cause dizziness, headache and blurred vision which may affect your ability to drive and operate machines.
Word of Advice
Skin reactions may occur following accidental exposure to thiotepa. Use of gloves and protective clothing is recommended to prevent unintended skin contact when handling this medication. Should thiotepa solution contact the skin or mucous membranes, immediately wash the affected skin thoroughly with soap and water, or rinse the mucous membranes with water, and obtain medical attention.
References
ADIENNE SA, [Revised on 15th June 2020] [Accessed on 5th Jan 2023] https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00056680.PDF Pfizer, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Jan 2017] [Accessed on 5th Jan 2023] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/208264s000lbl.pdf Mercury Pharmaceuticals Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on March 2020], [Accessed on 5th Jan 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.12717.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thiotepa a cancer medicine?
Yes, Thiotepa is an anticancer medicine.
Will Thiotepa affect fertility?
Thiotepa can affect fertility of both men and women. Hence, it is advised to voice out any concern you may have regarding fertility.
Can I get pregnant when using Thiotepa?
No, it is not safe to get pregnant while using Thiotepa. It is advised to inform your doctor about pregnancy before starting treatment with this medication.
Can I go back to driving after using thiotepa?
Thiotepa can cause side effects like headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, hallucinations and convulsions. Hence, it not safe to drive while experiencing these side effects. You can take advice from your doctor and resume driving only if allowed by the doctor.
Why does my doctor keep performing blood tests while using Thiotepa?
Thiotepa destroys the bone marrow cells. Hence your doctor will keep doing regular blood tests while you are on treatment to check your blood cells.