streptozocin

Streptozocin should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Serious side effects have been reported with the use of streptozocin including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); kidney damage (little or no urine production, blood in the urine); liver problems (changes in blood test results, abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, decreased appetite, nausea); decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; or fever, chills, or signs of infection); severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; secondary cancers; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with streptozocin.

Treatment with streptozocin may cause drowsiness or confusion. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities if drowsiness or confusion occurs.

Streptozocin is an antineoplastic medication. Streptozocin interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Streptozocin is used to treat cancer of the pancreas.

Streptozocin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Do not use streptozocin without first talking to your doctor if you have

• kidney disease;
• liver problems;
• bleeding or blood clotting problems; or
• poor bone marrow function.

The use of streptozocin may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Streptozocin is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that streptozocin is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use streptozocin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Discuss with your doctor the appropriate use of birth control during treatment with streptozocin if necessary.

It is not known whether streptozocin passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding should be avoided during treatment with streptozocin.

Streptozocin should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with streptozocin, depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.

Streptozocin is usually administered as an intravenous (into a vein) injection.

Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with streptozocin to monitor progress and side effects.

Your healthcare provider will store streptozocin as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing streptozocin at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of streptozocin.

If an overdose of streptozocin is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Symptoms of a streptozocin overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe.

Streptozocin can lower the activity of your immune system making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with streptozocin. In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you.

Treatment with streptozocin may cause drowsiness or confusion. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities if drowsiness or confusion occurs.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects from streptozocin, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• kidney damage (little or no urine production, blood in the urine);
• liver problems (changes in blood test results, abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, decreased appetite, nausea);
• decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; or fever, chills, or signs of infection); or
• severe nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or diarrhea.

In some cases, secondary cancers have been reported to occur during and following treatment with streptozocin. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking streptozocin and talk to your doctor if you experience:

• mild nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or diarrhea;
• drowsiness;
• confusion;
• depression; or
• swelling, redness, burning, or tenderness at the injection site.

Side effect other than those listed here have also been reported. Discuss with your doctor any side effect that occurs during treatment with streptozocin.

Do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment with streptozocin. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous during treatment with streptozocin.

Other medications may interact with streptozocin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, during treatment with streptozocin.

Your healthcare provider may have additional information about streptozocin that you may read.

Streptozocin is available with a prescription under the brand name Zanosar as an injection. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.