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Hycamtin Coupon - Hycamtin 1mg capsule

Hycamtin

topotecan
Used for Lung Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Cervical Cancer
Used for Lung Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Cervical Cancer

Hycamtin (topotecan) is an anticancer treatment option used for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) that comes back (relapsed) after having been treated with first-choice chemotherapy. It’s a convenient pill taken by mouth, usually for a few days each chemotherapy cycle. This medication can raise your risk for infections and bleeds.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Jenny Zhang, PharmD, BCOP
reviewer
Connie Zheng, PharmD
Last reviewed on June 20, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Hycamtin (topotecan)?

What is Hycamtin (topotecan) used for?

  • Advanced small cell lung cancer (SCLC) that continued to spread after other chemotherapy

How Hycamtin (topotecan) works

Hycamtin (topotecan) is a type of anticancer medication called a topoisomerase I inhibitor. It prevents cancer cells from growing by damaging the cancer cells’ genetic material, which leads to cell death.

Are you looking for information on topotecan (Hycamtin) injection instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsHycamtin
Drug ClassTopoisomerase I inhibitor
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Hycamtin (topotecan)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Low blood cell counts (up to 98%)
  • Nausea (27-33%)
  • Diarrhea (14-22%)
  • Vomiting (19-21%)
  • Hair loss (10-20%)
  • Tiredness (11-19%)

Other Side Effects

  • Fever
  • Lack of appetite
  • Weakness

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious infections: repeated fevers, chills, cough, trouble breathing, severe diarrhea, vomiting, painful or frequent urination
  • Serious bleeds: bleeding or bruising that doesn’t stop or go away, large amount of bleeding, blood in the urine, throwing up blood, bloody or black and tarry stool
  • Lung problems: dry cough, chest pain, trouble breathing

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

blood in the urine or stools

body aches or pain

chest pain

chills

congestion

cough

difficult or labored breathing

dryness or soreness of the throat

fever

hoarseness

lower back or side pain

painful or difficult urination

pale skin

pinpoint red spots on the skin

runny nose

sneezing

tender, swollen glands in the neck

tightness in the chest

trouble in swallowing

troubled breathing with exertion

ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

voice changes

Less common

Confusion

diarrhea

dizziness

fainting

fast heartbeat

lightheadedness

nausea

pain or cramping in the abdomen

rapid, shallow breathing

stomach pain

vomiting

Incidence not known

Cracked lips

dizziness

hives, itching, skin rash

large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals

pale skin, pain, or redness at the site of injection

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

severe bleeding

severe itching, skin rash

severe stomach pain

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Bone or back pain

constipation

lack or loss of strength

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Hycamtin (topotecan)

thumbs-up

Pros

Taken by mouth

Only need to take for 5 days out of each 21-day treatment cycle

Recommended treatment option for small cell lung cancer if your cancer comes back after initial chemotherapy (relapse)

thumbs-down

Cons

Slightly more nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea compared to topotecan (Hycamtin) injection

Raises your risk for infections, bleeding, or bruising

Not available as a generic

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Hycamtin (topotecan)

pharmacist

  • Swallow Hycamtin (topotecan) capsules whole. Don’t open, dissolve, or chew the capsules because the medication can cause serious harm if it’s not taken properly.

    • Hycamtin (topotecan) can be taken with or without food. Try to take it around the same time each day.

      • If you miss a dose of Hycamtin (topotecan) or vomit after a dose, don’t take another dose on the same day. Take your next dose as scheduled on the following day.

        • You’ll need to get bloodwork done regularly while receiving this medication. Hycamtin (topotecan) can lower your blood cell counts and make you more at risk of bleeding or developing a serious infection. Follow the lab schedule your provider gives you. Depend on your blood cell count, your provider might need to adjust your dose of Hycamtin (topotecan) to minimize your risk of side effects.

          • Tell your care team as soon as possible if you develop a fever while receiving Hycamtin (topotecan) treatment. This medication can make it more likely for you to get sick. When you’re receiving anticancer medication, sometimes fever can be the first (or only) sign that you’re sick.

            • Store Hycamtin (topotecan) capsules in the refrigerator at 36° to 46°F (2° to 8°C), in its original container. If you live with other people, make sure they're aware of where your medication is stored and don't accidentally take it or touch it. Ask your provider or pharmacist if there are any other storage safety instructions for Hycamtin (topotecan).

              • Tell your provider and pharmacist about all the medications you take, including supplements and over-the-counter medications, so they can help you check for interactions. For example, medications like cyclosporine modified (Neoral) and ketoconazole can raise Hycamtin (topotecan) levels in your body and put you at higher risk for side effects, such as nausea and diarrhea. Before starting any new medications, make sure your provider knows you're taking Hycamtin (topotecan).

                • If you’re able to get pregnant, you should use birth control while receiving Hycamtin (topotecan) and for 6 months after the last dose. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby.

                  • If you’re male and have a partner who can get pregnant, you should use birth control measures, such as condoms, while you’re receiving Hycamtin (topotecan) and for 3 months after your last dose. It’s possible for Hycamtin (topotecan) to cause harm to the unborn baby of your female partner if you’re taking this medication.

                    • Hycamtin (topotecan) might affect your ability to have a baby. If you or your partner are thinking about having a child in the future, talk to your provider about your different options before starting Hycamtin (topotecan), such as sperm banking or egg freezing.

                      • Ask your provider or pharmacist about the best way to handle and throw away Hycamtin (topotecan) safely. You or your caregiver should wear gloves when handling this medication. Make sure to wash hands before and after handling. Anticancer medications can be very harmful to people who handle or come into contact with them.

                        faqs

                        Frequently asked questions about Hycamtin (topotecan)

                        What’s the difference between topotecan injection and Hycamtin (topotecan)?
                        Hycamtin (topotecan) is only FDA-approved to treat small cell lung cancer. But topotecan injection is approved to treat certain types of ovarian cancer and cervical cancer, in addition to small cell lung cancer. For small cell lung cancer, the dosing is different between oral and IV forms of the medication. While you’ll typically receive topotecan injection in a clinic or infusion center, Hycamtin (topotecan) can be taken at home. But be aware that Hycamtin (topotecan) needs to be refrigerated, so you'll need to properly and safely store this medication.
                        How can I prevent an infection while receiving Hycamtin (topotecan)?
                        There are many ways you can lower your chances of developing an infection while you’re receiving Hycamtin (topotecan). For example, wash your hands often with soap, especially before eating, after using the bathroom, or after touching things like door knobs. If you can, avoid crowded places and people who are sick. But if you need to be around crowds, it’s best to wear a mask. To avoid food-borne illnesses, make sure to wash raw fruits and vegetables before eating, and cook foods thoroughly. It’s important to follow these tips during Hycamtin (topotecan) treatment because the medication weakens your immune system, and makes you more likely to develop a serious infection. Let your provider know right away if you have any signs of an infection, such as fever, tiredness, chills.
                        Can Hycamtin (topotecan) cause hair loss?
                        Hycamtin (topotecan) can cause hair loss and hair thinning because it damages your hair follicles. But not everyone will experience this side effect. According to clinical studies, 10-20% of people who took Hycamtin (topotecan) reported hair loss, but most of the time it was mild. For people who did experience hair loss, it typically starts 3 to 4 weeks after the first dose. This side effect is usually temporary and hair typically grows back after you’re done with the treatment. If you’re concerned about hair loss from Hycamtin (topotecan), talk with your provider about how to minimize this side effect. They might recommend that you try a cooling cap, or give you tips on proper hair care during chemotherapy.
                        Is Hycamtin (topotecan) safe if I have kidney problems?
                        If you’ve kidney problems, you might be at higher risk for side effects from Hycamtin (topotecan). Typically, the kidneys help get rid of Hycamtin (topotecan) from the body through urine. But if you have kidney problems, your body will have a hard time getting rid of the medication. This can lead to higher levels of the medication in your body and higher risk of side effects, such as risk of infection, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Let your provider know if you have problems with your kidneys, as you’ll need to be monitored more closely and might need a lower dose of Hycamtin (topotecan).
                        Is Hycamtin (topotecan) safe while breastfeeding?
                        Avoid breastfeeding while receiving Hycamtin (topotecan) and for one week after the last dose. We don’t know if it can pass into human breast milk. But if it does, the medication has a risk of causing serious harm to nursing babies. Talk to your provider if you have any questions about other ways to feed your baby while receiving Hycamtin (topotecan).
                        How should I store Hycamtin (topotecan)?
                        Store Hycamtin (topotecan) in the refrigerator at 36° to 46°F (2° to 8°C). Don't freeze it. Keep it stored in the bottle it came in. If you're planning to travel, make sure to store your medication in a cooler bag with ice, so that it's at the right temperature. Talk with your provider or pharmacist if you have questions about storage or traveling with Hycamtin (topotecan).
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                        What are the risks and warnings for Hycamtin (topotecan)?

                        Hycamtin (topotecan) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                        risk-warning

                        Low blood cell count

                        Hycamtin (topotecan) can cause your red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets counts to drop. When the number of these cells are lower than normal, you’re at risk of developing anemia, infections, and bleeding or bruising. In some cases, your blood cell counts might be low for a while. This is because your chemotherapy medications can weaken your bone marrow and affect its ability to make new blood cells like normal.

                        Your provider will closely check your blood cell counts through routine lab work when you’re receiving Hycamtin (topotecan). Let your provider know as soon as possible if you experience extreme tiredness, rapid breathing, fevers, chills, or bleeding and bruising that doesn’t stop or go away.

                        risk-warning

                        Diarrhea

                        Hycamtin (topotecan) can cause diarrhea. This usually happens within 5 to 9 days of treatment. In rare cases, the diarrhea can be severe enough that you might need to be hospitalized. Talk to your healthcare team if you develop diarrhea and be sure to stay well-hydrated. They can recommend antidiarrheal medications, such as loperamide (Imodium A-D) to help manage it. If your diarrhea doesn’t improve or gets worse, let your provider know right away. Your provider might need to lower your dose of Hycamtin (topotecan) or ask you to stop taking it temporarily.

                        risk-warning

                        Rare lung problems

                        • Risk factors: Lung cancer | Scarring of the lungs | Chest radiation |Taking medications that can harm the lungs or cause WBCs to grow (growth factors)

                          Let your provider know right away if you experience coughing or trouble breathing while receiving Hycamtin (topotecan). This medication can cause interstitial lung disease (ILD), a condition where there’s scarring on the lungs. If you develop these symptoms, your provider will need to examine you to figure out they’re caused by Hycamtin (topotecan) or an infection, and treat you accordingly. If you have ILD, your provider will likely stop this medication.

                          risk-warning

                          Harm to unborn baby

                          Based on animal studies, Hycamtin (topotecan) can harm an unborn baby. Because of this risk, regardless of your sex, you should use birth control during treatment with Hycamtin (topotecan) to prevent pregnancy. After the end of treatment, continue to use birth control for at least another 3 months (for males) or 6 months (for females). Let your provider know right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant during this time.

                          dosage

                          Hycamtin (topotecan) dosage forms

                          Typical dosing for Hycamtin (topotecan)

                          Your provider will calculate your dose of Hycamtin (topotecan) based on your body surface area (BSA, in units of m2), which takes into account your body weight and height.

                          The typical dose is 2.3 mg/m2 by mouth daily for 5 days (Days 1 through 5) of each 21-day treatment cycle.

                          interactions

                          Interactions between Hycamtin (topotecan) and other drugs

                          Hycamtin (topotecan) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Hycamtin (topotecan). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                          Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

                          Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                          Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                          drug-cost

                          How much does Hycamtin (topotecan) cost?

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                          alternatives

                          What are alternatives to Hycamtin (topotecan)?

                          There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Hycamtin (topotecan). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                          Hycamtin (topotecan)
                          Used for:

                          • Advanced small cell lung cancer (SCLC) that continued to spread after other chemotherapy

                          View Prices
                          Topotecan (Hycamtin)
                          Used for:

                          • Metastatic ovarian cancer that continued to spread after other chemotherapy

                          • Platinum-sensitive small cell lung cancer (SCLC) that continued to spread after other chemotherapy

                          • Advanced cervical cancer, along with cisplatin (Platinol)

                          View Prices
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                          References

                          Best studies we found

                          American Cancer Society. (2019). Chemotherapy safety.

                          American Cancer Society. (2019). Getting oral or topical chemotherapy.

                          American Cancer Society. (2020). Diarrhea.

                          View All References (14)

                          American Cancer Society. (2020). Fever.

                          American Cancer Society. (2020). Low platelet count (bleeding).

                          American Cancer Society. (2020). Preserving fertility in males with cancer.

                          American Cancer Society. (2022). Cooling caps (scalp hypothermia) to reduce hair loss.

                          American Cancer Society. (2023). If you have small cell lung cancer.

                          American Cancer Society. (2023). Low red blood cell counts (anemia).

                          American Cancer Society. (2023). Low white blood cell counts (neutropenia).

                          American Cancer Society. (2023). Watching for and preventing infections.

                          Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Preventing infections in cancer patients.

                          Ewesuedo, R. B., et al. (1997). Topoisomerase I inhibitors. The Oncologist.

                          National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Relapse.

                          National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2022). Small cell lung cancer.

                          Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. (2022). Hycamtin- topotecan capsule [package insert]. DailyMed.

                          Pommier, Y. (2009). DNA topoisomerase I inhibitors: Chemistry, biology, and interfacial inhibition. Chemical Reviews.

                          GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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