Dactinomycin
Generic name: dactinomycin [ DAK-tin-oh-MYE-sin ]
Brand name: Cosmegen
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (0.5 mg)
Drug class:Antibiotics / antineoplastics
What is dactinomycin?
Dactinomycin is used to treat different types of cancers that affect the kidneys, uterus, testicles, bones, muscles, joints, and soft tissues. Dactinomycin is also used to treat solid tumors.
Dactinomycin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
Using dactinomycin may increase your risk of developing other cancers, such as leukemia. Ask your doctor about this risk.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
liver disease; or
radiation treatment.
Dactinomycin can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects if the mother or the father is using dactinomycin.
If you are a woman, do not use dactinomycin if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.
If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.
Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using dactinomycin.
You should not breastfeed while you are using dactinomycin.
How should I use dactinomycin?
Dactinomycin is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when dactinomycin is injected.
For most conditions, dactinomycin is given once every 3 weeks for several months, or up to 2 years or longer. You may receive this medicine more often or less often, depending on the type of cancer you have. For solid tumors, you may only receive one dose.
Your doctor will determine how long to treat you.
Dactinomycin can lower your blood cell counts. Your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.