Brand Name(s): Actinomycin D, Cosmegen

Generic Name Dactinomycin

What is dactinomycin injection?

DACTINOMYCIN, ACTINOMYCIN D (Cosmegen^®) is a type of chemotherapy for treating cancer. Dactinomycin is an antibiotic that interferes with cell growth, especially in cells that are rapidly dividing. It is effective against tumors and skin cancers, including cancer of the testes and ovaries and certain cancer found in children. Generic dactinomycin injections are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive dactinomycin?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• blood disorders
• having intramuscular injections
• infection (bacterial, viral or fungal)
• liver disease
• recent radiation therapy
• an unusual or allergic reaction to dactinomycin, other chemotherapy agents, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Dactinomycin is for infusion into a vein. It is usually given in a hospital or clinic setting by a trained health care professional.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss a dose. Let your prescriber or health care professional know if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What drug(s) may interact with dactinomycin?

• live virus vaccines

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from receiving dactinomycin?

Side effects generally start within 2 to 4 days after treatment, are worse after 1 to 2 weeks and can last for 3 to 4 weeks.

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• black tarry stools
• blood in the urine
• dark yellow or brown urine
• difficulty breathing
• fever or chills, cough or sore throat
• heartburn
• lower back pain
• mouth or throat ulcers
• muscle spasms
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• pain, redness, swelling or irritation at the injection site
• seizures
• stomach pain, ulcers
• swelling
• unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• darkened skin color
• diarrhea
• hair loss
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• skin rash (acne-like)

What should I watch for while taking dactinomycin?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood checks.

Dactinomycin may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon because dactinomycin affects good cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects as above, but continue your course of medicine even though you feel ill, unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to stop.

Dactinomycin can cause blood problems. This can mean slow healing and a risk of infection. Try to avoid cutting or injuring yourself. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

While you are taking dactinomycin you will be more susceptible to infection. Try to avoid people with colds, flu, and bronchitis. Do not have any vaccinations without your prescriber's approval and avoid anyone who has recently had oral polio vaccine.

Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat. Do not treat yourself.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are receiving dactinomycin.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

After mixing the injection solution, use at once. Throw away any unused injection solution.