This page contains brief details about the drug , it's indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

Thiotepa is a antineoplastic medication which was approved for its medical use by FDA on 4th of February 2001.

Mechanism of Action of undefined

Thiotepa acts by damaging the genetic material (DNA and RNA) of the cancer cells. It stops the growth and multiplication of cancer by directly attacking DNA. This causes the breakage of DNA strands. The process of cross-linking is crucial in exhibiting toxicity in cancer cells. This leads to the exertion of cytotoxic effect and death of tumor cells.

Uses of undefined

Thiotepa is used for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in pediatric patients with class 3 beta-thalassemia. It is also used in treating adenocarcinoma of breast and ovary and superficial papillary cancer of the urinary bladder.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Thiotepa is available in two doses of 15mg and 100mg as powder for injection.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

Since thiotepa destroys the bone marrow cells, your doctor will conduct regular blood tests during the treatment to keep a check on your blood cell count. Report to your doctor if you have any liver, kidney, heart or lung conditions before starting treatment with this medication. Inform your doctor if you have or have had epilepsy while being treated in the past with other medication. This medication may cause a second cancer in the future; hence it is best to discuss the risk and benefits of thiotepa with your doctor. Your doctor will give you anti-infectives during treatment with this medicine to prevent and mange any infections that will occur.

Precautions

Effective contraception is to be used by both men and women while being treated with thiotepa. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to get pregnant, breastfeeding, before starting treatment with this medication. Thioptepa can cause fertility issues in both men and women, hence, it is advised to discuss any fertility concern you may have before beginning treatment with this medicine. This medicine is likely to cause  dizziness, headache and blurred vision which may affect your ability to drive and operate machines.

Side Effects

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with thiotepa include, cytomegaloviruss infection, hemorrhage, diarrhea, rashes and blood in urine.

Word Of Advice

Skin reactions may occur with accidental exposure to thiotepa. Using gloves and protective clothing to prevent accidental skin contact is recommended while handling this medication. If the Thiotepa solution contacts the skin or mucosa, immediately wash the skin thoroughly with soap and water or rinse the mucosa with water and seek medical attention. 

Frequently Asked Question

References

  1. ADIENNE SA, [Revised on 15th June 2020] [Accessed on 5th Jan 2023] https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00056680.PDF
  2. Pfizer, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Jan 2017] [Accessed on 5th Jan 2023] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/208264s000lbl.pdf
  3. Mercury Pharmaceuticals Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on March 2020], [Accessed on 5th Jan 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.12717.pdf

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.