Dactinomycin is an antibiotic with an anti-tumor effect that acts by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
What is Dactinomycin?
Dactinomycin is used in combination with other drugs, with a surgical treatment or with radiotherapy to treat Wilms' tumor and rhabdomyosarcoma in children. Moreover, it can also be used in combination with other drugs for treating certain testicular cancers, Ewing's sarcoma and trophoblastic tumor during pregnancy. In some cases, it is also used in the treatment of certain cancers that affect the ovaries.
How should Dactinomycin be taken?
Dactinomycin is administered intravenously in a medical facility. The duration of treatment depends on the type of tumor, the other drugs taken as well as the individual response to treatment. In some cases, it can also be injected directly into the area of the body where the tumor is present.
Side effects associated with Dactinomycin
The possible adverse effects associated with dactinomycin may include:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach ache
- Hair loss
- Vomiting
Furthermore, it is important to seek immediate medical attention if the treatment triggers any of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing or difficulty swallowing
- Bleeding or unexplained bruising
- Fever, sore throat, cough and persistent congestion
- Dark stools
- Strong fatigue or lack of energy
- Jaundice
- Nausea
- Urticaria
- Loss of appetite
- Sores in the mouth or throat
- Rash
- Blood in the stool
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Dactinomycin
Prior to undergoing treatment with dactinomycin it is recommended to inform your doctor if:
- You have any allergic reactions to dactinomycin, its excipients or other drugs
- You are taking other medications, supplements and herbal remedies
- You are suffering from chickenpox or shingles
- You are receiving (or have received) radiation therapy
- If you are pregnant or breast-feeding
It is also important not to subject to any vaccinations while undergoing treatment with dactinomycin without talking to your doctor.
