Topotecan is used to treat ovarian cancer, small cell lung cancer, and certain types of cervical cancer.

Topotecan is usually given after other treatments have failed.

Topotecan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use topotecan if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• severe diarrhea;
• kidney disease;
• lung problems; or
• a chest X-ray or radiation treatment of your chest area.

Topotecan can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects if the mother or the father is using this medicine.

• If you are a woman, do not use topotecan if you are pregnant. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.
• If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.
• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using topotecan.

This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in both men and women. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because topotecan may harm the baby if a pregnancy does occur.

You should not breastfeed while using topotecan, and for at least 1 week after your last dose.

Use Topotecan (Hycamtin) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• new or worsening cough, fever, trouble breathing;
• diarrhea with fever and stomach cramps;
• pain or burning when you urinate;
• signs of pneumonia--fever, chills, cough with mucus, chest pain, feeling short of breath; or
• low blood cell counts--fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, mouth sores, skin sores, pale skin, cold hands and feet, bruising or bleeding, feeling light-headed.

Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Common side effects may include:

• low blood cell counts;
• trouble breathing, pneumonia
• nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain;
• loss of appetite;
• hair loss; or
• feeling weak or tired.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.