Thiotepa Injection

What is this medication?

THIOTEPA (THYE oh TEP a) treats some types of cancer. It works by slowing down the growth of cancer cells. It may also be used to help prepare your body before a stem cell transplant. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in your bone marrow. This makes room for the transplanted cells to grow.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): TEPADINA, Tepylute

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Infection
• Kidney problems
• Liver disease
• Low blood cell levels (white cells, platelets, or red blood cells)
• An unusual or allergic reaction to thiotepa, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Live virus vaccines

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Certain medications for fungal infections, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole
• Certain medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
• Clarithromycin
• Cyclophosphamide
• Rifampin
• Ritonavir

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

This medication may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your care team tells you to stop.

You may need blood work while you are taking this medication.

Take a shower or bath at least 2 times daily during treatment and for 48 hours after your injection. Change any dressings and clean any covered skin at least 2 times daily during treatment and for 48 hours after your injection. Change bedsheets daily during treatment.

This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

Avoid taking medications that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your care team. These medications may hide a fever.

Be careful brushing or flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medication.

Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancers if you take this medication.

Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy and for 6 months after treatment. You will need a negative pregnancy test before starting this medication. Contraception is recommended while taking this medication and for at least 6 months after stopping treatment. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.

If your partner can get pregnant, use a condom during sex and for at least 1 year after stopping treatment.

Do not breastfeed while taking this medication.

This medication may cause infertility. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty with paying attention, memory, or speech
• Dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, confusion or trouble speaking
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, or sore throat
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing
• Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• Seizures
• Slow or sluggish movements of the body
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Unusual changes in behavior

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness
• Pain, redness, or swelling with sores inside the mouth or throat
• Red or dark brown urine

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.