Dactinomycin, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antibiotic

Generic and brand names: actinomycin D; dactinomycin, injection; ACT; Cosmegen

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is a very strong antibiotic used to treat various types of cancer and tumors. It is also used to increase the effects of radiation therapy. This medicine may be used in combination with other anticancer drugs. The medicine is given by injection (shots).

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

You should not receive these shots if you have chickenpox or shingles. A life-threatening reaction may occur.

Females of childbearing age: Do not receive this medicine if you are pregnant. Do not become pregnant during treatment. Talk to your health care provider if you need birth control. Do not breast-feed during this treatment.

How do I use it?

The shots are given by your health care provider. They are given daily, usually for 5 days in a row. After 3 weeks a second series of shots may be given. Shots of other medicines may be given on the same schedule or on a different schedule. Keep all your appointments for these shots.

What should I watch out for?

Blood tests may be required as often as daily while you are receiving this medicine. Keep all your appointments for blood tests.

Nausea and vomiting are the first side effects to occur. Contact your health care provider if they become severe.

Hair loss may occur during treatment with this medicine. The hair will grow back when treatment is lessened or stopped.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Except for nausea and vomiting, these side effects may not occur until 2 to 4 days after you had the shots. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Severe nausea and vomiting, fever, sore throat, chills, bruising, bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or sores in your mouth or on your lips.

Other: Diarrhea, loss of appetite, skin rash, darkening of skin given radiation therapy, tiredness, irritation of skin where the shot was given.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, this medicine may increase the effects of radiation treatments and may be used for this purpose.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.