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Cosmegen

Cosmegen

(dactinomycin)

Cosmegen (Dactinomycin) belongs to the group of cancer-fighting medications known as antineoplastics, and specifically to the family of antineoplastics called actinomycins. Cosmegen (Dactinomycin) causes the death of cancer cells by interfering with their growth and reproduction.

Available form

Dosage

Injectable Powder

0.5MG

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Cosmegen information

Dosage

Side Effects

Available Form

Contraindications

Precautions

Warnings

The recommended dose and dosing schedule of Cosmegen (Dactinomycin) varies according to the specific type of cancer being treated, the response to therapy, and the other medications or treatments being used. The dose administered is also based on body size.

Cosmegen (Dactinomycin) is usually injected into a vein through a specially prepared site on your skin. It is always given under the supervision of a doctor. Very careful handling of Cosmegen (Dactinomycin) is required. It is always administered in a hospital or similar setting with access to sterile equipment for preparation.

As well as interfering with the genetic material DNA of cancer cells, Cosmegen (Dactinomycin) can interfere with some of your normal cells. This can cause a number of side effects such as hair loss and mouth sores.

Cosmegen (Dactinomycin) often causes nausea and vomiting, but it is important to keep using Cosmegen (Dactinomycin) even if you feel ill. Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can advise you on how to reduce the effects of nausea and vomiting. Keep track of any side effects and report them to your doctor as suggested in the section, "What side effects are possible with Cosmegen (Dactinomycin)?"

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that Cosmegen (Dactinomycin) be given exactly as recommended by your doctor. If you miss an appointment to receive Cosmegen (Dactinomycin), contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.

Cosmegen (Dactinomycin) is stored at room temperature and protected from light and humidity.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is used in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who used Cosmegen (Dactinomycin). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Cosmegen (Dactinomycin) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people using Cosmegen (Dactinomycin). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

Important note: Side effects (except for nausea and vomiting) do not usually become apparent until 2 to 4 days after a course of therapy and may not reach their peak for an additional 1 to 2 weeks.

nausea and vomiting
skin darkening or redness of areas where radiation was given
skin rash or Acne
temporary loss of hair

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Diarrhea
difficulty swallowing
pain, redness, or swelling at the place of injection
signs of infection such as Fever higher than 38°C (100°F), chills, sweating, sore throat, coughing, painful urination, unusual vaginal itching or discharge, or redness or swelling around a cut, wound, or catheter site
sores in mouth
stomach pain
symptoms of Anemia such as fatigue, weakness, or shortness of breath
symptoms of liver problems such as yellow eyes or skin, swelling or enlargement of the abdomen, dark urine, pale stools, nausea, or vomiting
unusual bleeding (e.g., black or tarry stools or blood in the urine) or bruising
weight loss

Stop using the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

symptoms of a Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) such as Hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the mouth or throat

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Cosmegen (Dactinomycin).

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Cosmegen (Dactinomycin).

Blood clotting: Cosmegen (Dactinomycin) can reduce the number of platelet cells in the blood. Platelets help the blood to clot, and a shortage could make you bleed more easily. Tell your doctor of any signs that your blood is not clotting properly. Such symptoms may include black and tarry stools, blood in the urine, easy bruising, or cuts that won't stop bleeding.

Fertility: There is little information about whether Cosmegen (Dactinomycin) causes infertility. However, other anticancer medications may cause infertility. Therefore, Cosmegen (Dactinomycin) may cause infertility. Discuss any concerns about infertility with your doctor.

Infection: As well as killing cancer cells, Cosmegen (Dactinomycin) can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). Avoid contact with people who are sick, especially those with contagious infections, and tell your doctor if you begin to notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills.

Liver problems: If you have moderate to severe liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Cosmegen (Dactinomycin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cosmegen (Dactinomycin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Secondary cancers: Anticancer medications such as Cosmegen (Dactinomycin) may cause other types of cancer to develop, including Leukemia. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this.

Vaccinations: You should not receive live vaccines while receiving Cosmegen (Dactinomycin).

Pregnancy: Cosmegen (Dactinomycin) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Effective birth control should be practiced while using Cosmegen (Dactinomycin). If you become pregnant while using Cosmegen (Dactinomycin), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Cosmegen (Dactinomycin) passes into breast milk. Women should not breast-feed while receiving Cosmegen (Dactinomycin) treatment due to risk of potential harm to the infant. Talk to your doctor.

Children: Cosmegen (Dactinomycin) should be given to infants only over the age of 6 months.

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All material © 1996-2024 MediResource Inc. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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