Fotemustine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Use

What is fotemustine for?

Fotemustine is a drug with a function to treat malignant melanoma that is spreading.

How do you use fotemustine?

Only experienced cancer specialists treat patients with fotemustine. They will determine the dosage depending on the patient's height and weight. Fotemustine can be given alone or with other chemotherapy drugs.

Treatment is divided into phases.

The first stage of treatment:

When fotemustine is the only chemotherapy used during treatment, the first stage consists of a slow injection of photemustine (one "drop") into a vein or artery once a week for 3 consecutive weeks.

When fotemustine is used with other chemotherapy then the first stage of treatment consists of one slow injection of fotemustine (as above) once a week for 2 consecutive weeks.

Time off:

The first stage of treatment is followed by a period of 4-5 weeks in which photemustine is not given at all.

The second stage of treatment:

The second stage of treatment consists of one slow injection of photemustine (as above) every 3 weeks as long as the cancer specialist feels the patient still needs it.

How to save photo-mustine?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the photemustine dosage for adults?

Intravenous

Malignant melanoma that spreads

Adults: Early stage, 100 mg / m2 BSA weekly for 3 weeks to induce remission. Maintenance dose: Begin 4-5 weeks after induction, 100 mg / m2 BSA every 3 weeks if adequate blood counts. The dose must be given by IV infusion over 1 hour. It can also be given intra-arterial.

What is the photemustine dosage for children?

This drug will produce contraindications in children. Consult your doctor for more information.

In what dosage is photemustine available?

Powder:

Fotemustine: 208.00 mg for one bottle

Solvent:

96% (v / v): Ethyl alcohol 3.35 ml

Water for injection: QSF 4.00 ml for ampoules

The dissolved solution represents a volume of 4.16 ml, i.e. 200 mg of Fotemustine in 4 ml of solution.

Side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to fotemustine?

Medicines including fotemustine can cause side effects. Sometimes it is serious, but often it is not so serious. Side effects may occur at the start of treatment or after some time using the drug. You need medical care if you experience some of the following side effects.

• Feel sick or vomit for 2 hours after injection.
• The reduced number of white blood cells in the blood, makes the body more susceptible to infection.
• The reduced number of platelets in the blood makes the body more susceptible to bleeding or injury.

Patients treated with photemustine sometimes experience:

• Swelling and pain at the injection site.
• Increase in body temperature.
• Itching sensation.
• Abdominal pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Sleepiness in no time.
• Tingling, numbness, or changes in taste sensations.
• Hepatitis (a serious liver disorder) can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unwell, fever, itching, yellowing of the skin and eyes, light yellow stools and / or dark urine.

Some of the side effects may seem vague, but they can be seen from the test results. Usually the patient will have routine blood tests and the eyes will be checked regularly during treatment — more often if the patient has kidney problems or is in an older person.

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be known before using fotemustine?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if:

• You are allergic to Fotemustine or other Nitrosourea.
• You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• You are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.
• You have been or intend to be vaccinated with the yellow fever vaccine.
• The combination of photemustine with the vaccine can cause a fatal reaction.
• If you are a child or teenager.

Is fotemustine safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is not sufficient research to determine the risks of using the medication in women during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This medicine falls into the risk category of pregnancy D.

• A = no risk,
• B = no risk in several studies,
• C = there may be a risk,
• D = tested positive for risk,
• X = contraindicated,
• N = unknown

It is not known whether photemustine passes into breast milk and therefore it is not known the risk to breastfed babies.

Interaction

What drugs may interact with photemustine?

Drug interactions can change how medications work or increase the risk of serious side effects. This document does not contain all types of drug interactions that may occur. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / over-the-counter herbal products) and tell your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Some drugs and fotemustine can mix with each other, namely:

• Phenytoin (a drug used to treat epilepsy and / or convulsions).
• It is not recommended to use certain vaccines while you are being treated with photemustine.
• Immunosuppressants (drugs that reduce the body's resistance to disease).
• Dacarbazine (another drug used to treat skin cancer).
• Medicines used to prevent blood clots, eg Warfarin.

Treatment with fotemustine can change the effect of some drugs, and some drugs can affect the performance of fotemustine. You may need a different dose of medicine or use a different medication.

Can food or alcohol interact with fotemustine?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with photemustine?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, get it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.