Small Cell Lung Cancer is caused by uncontrolled proliferation of cells and it can spread throughout the body. It is commonly caused by smoking and the other factors include air pollution or frequent exposure to radon. On an average, out of 100 lung cancer cases; 20 are SCLC. Hycamtin is recommended for the treatment of relapsed small cell lung cancer treatment in patients who have faced failed first-line chemotherapy. The drug has been developed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and is available in injection and tablet form. Topotecan is derived from plant and is classified as topoisomerase 1 inhibitor. It is given for treating patients who have small cell lung cancer that has relapsed the previous therapy.
Dosage
The recommended dosage of the capsules is 2.3mg once daily for five consecutive days and the process is repeated every 21 days. The amount of topotecan to be received depends on a number of factors such as height, weight, general health condition and other health problems one is facing. The exact dosage and duration is determined by your doctor.
Side Effects
The common side effects of the drug include:
- Headache;
- Cough;
- Nausea;
- Weakness;
- Tiredness;
- Temporary hair loss;
- Loss of appetite;
- Vomiting;
- Abdominal pain.
These are the common side effects and not all side effects are listed here. You should always inform your doctor when you experience any unusual health problem.
Precautions to be Taken
Before starting the small cell lung cancer treatment, you should tell your doctor about any other medications that you are taking. You should not take any kind of vaccination without approval from your doctor. If you are pregnant, inform your health care professional immediately. Also, do not breast feed while taking it.
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The information offered in this blog is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice.