It is normal to feel a little scared and nervous when you are told that you are going to start chemotherapy as a cancer treatment. But if we are properly informed about this treatment and the medicines that are given, that fear can be reduced to a great extent. Today we are talking about 'Thiotepa', a special injection that is given for such cancer treatment. If this is being given to you or your loved one, this article will be very useful for you.
What is Thiotepa?
Simply put, Thiotepa is a chemotherapy drug that fights cancer cells. The main function of this drug is to control the rapid division and growth of cancer cells in our body.
This medicine is used to treat various types of cancer. For example:
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Bladder cancer
In addition, this medicine helps control the accumulation of fluid in body cavities caused by some cancers. It is also used to reduce graft rejection in young children with thalassemia after a bone marrow transplant.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
It is very important that your medical team is fully aware of your health condition before giving you this medicine. Therefore, if you have any of these things, be sure to tell your doctor.
- An existing infectious condition (especially viral infections such as chickenpox and herpes).
- Kidney or liver disease.
- Blood problems such as low platelets, red blood cells, or white blood cells.
- Recent or ongoing radiation therapy .
- Allergic reaction to Thiotepa, other anticancer drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding .
How is this medicine administered to the body?
This is not a medicine you can take home. It is given in a hospital or clinic by a healthcare professional who has received special training in this area.
Most often, this is given as an infusion into a vein, like saline . In some cases, it can also be given directly into the bladder or into a body cavity.
If you are giving this medicine to your child, discuss it with your pediatrician. In some selected cases, it can be given to children as young as one month old, but there are special considerations to be made.
What to do if you overdose?
This is unlikely to happen as it is given in a hospital setting. However, if you think you may have overdosed, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a medication appointment?
It is very important to take this medicine on time. If you are unable to go to the hospital on the scheduled date, call your doctor immediately and let them know.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Very important: Do not receive live virus vaccines for any reason while taking this medicine.
Also, the following medications may interact with this.
- Clarithromycin
- Cyclophosphamide
- Itraconazole
- Phenytoin
- Rifampin
- Ritonavir
This list may not be complete, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbs, and supplements), whether you smoke, and if you drink alcohol.
Things to consider during treatment
Since chemotherapy also affects healthy cells, it is normal for you to feel some discomfort and pain. However, if you experience any side effects, let your doctor know. Do not stop treatment until your doctor tells you to stop, even if it is uncomfortable.
- Protect yourself from infections: If you have symptoms of a cold, such as fever, chills, and sore throat, do not self-medicate and talk to your doctor. This medicine can lower your body's ability to fight off illness (immunity). So try to stay away from people who are sick.
- Watch out for bleeding: This medicine may increase your risk of bleeding or bruising. Tell your doctor if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising.
- Blood tests: You will need to have blood work done throughout your treatment. Don't skip these.
Special awareness about pregnancy and fertility
This section is very important. Please pay close attention.
Women should avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medication and for 6 months after stopping it. Men should also avoid fathering children while taking this medication and for one (1) year after stopping it.
This is because this medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. Ask your doctor for more information about this. Do not breastfeed your baby while taking this medicine.
Also, this medicine may affect fertility. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor before starting treatment.
What side effects might I experience?
Not everyone gets side effects, but some people do. It's important to be aware of these.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Symptoms of infection | Fever or chills, chills, cough, sore throat, pain when urinating. |
| Symptoms of bleeding | Unusual bruising, small red spots on the skin, blood in the urine, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, black or bloody stools, bleeding from the gums/nose. |
| Symptoms of low red blood cells | Feeling unusually tired or weak, fainting, or falling. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Dark yellow/brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, nausea, loss of appetite. |
| Skin problems | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Other serious symptoms | Seizures, confusion, hallucinations, and extreme drowsiness. |
| Tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome. | |
| Common side effects | Diarrhea, mouth sores, pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. |
Take-Home Message
- Thiotepa is a chemotherapy drug that controls the growth of cancer cells.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications you are taking.
- Be careful of infections and injuries while taking this medicine. If you experience symptoms such as fever or bleeding, seek medical advice immediately.
- Follow the pregnancy advice (for women and men) very strictly. This is mandatory.
- Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about any side effects or problems you may experience.
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