Tepadina Instructions
Tepadina is a chemotherapy drug whose active ingredient is thiotepa. It has been used for a long time to treat various types of cancer, including:
breast cancer;
ovarian cancer;
myeloma;
Hodgkin’s lymphoma;
leukemia;
malignant tumor of the egg;
malignant brain tumor.
And since 2007, Tepadine has been used for preliminary preparation of patients for the procedure of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This procedure can be effective for leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and other cancers.
The drug is approved for use in the US, EU, Switzerland and other countries.
The dosage of the drug can be different: 15 or 100 mg, but the form of release of Tepadine is always the same: a lyophilisate for the preparation of a concentrate for the preparation of a solution for infusion.
How does this medicine work?
Tepadine is a so-called alkylating agent. It “sticks” to the DNA chains of cancer cells, which blocks their division and tumor growth.
How to use?
A solution is prepared from the lyophilizate, which is injected into the body through a tube installed in a large vein on the chest (by infusion). The tube is inserted only for the time of drug administration – 2-4 hours.
The treatment regimen depends on the type of cancer and the characteristics of the clinical case.
Additional tests
Before starting treatment, you should have blood tests to make sure that the levels of various blood cells are normal. In addition, it allows you to check the condition of the liver and kidneys.
About the side effects of Tepadine
Tepadine can cause various side effects, but you don’t have to feel any of them. Side effects can be mild or more severe, appear and disappear throughout the course of therapy.
Be sure to tell your doctor if your condition worsens during treatment.
The most common side effects:
A decrease in the level of white blood cells can lead to a weakened immune system and the appearance of infectious diseases. You may also experience: headaches, fever or chills, pain when urinating. Contact your doctor immediately if your temperature rises to 38°C or higher.
Fatigue and difficulty breathing – can occur as an independent side effect, or due to a drop in the level of red blood cells.
Increased bleeding in trauma due to low platelets.
Loss of fertility, cessation of menstruation – is restored after the completion of the course of treatment with Tepadine.
Dizziness, headaches, blurred vision.
Sensations of tingling and coldness in the limbs.
Heart rate changes.
Diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite.
High blood sugar – attention to diabetics!
Partial hair loss (complete hair loss is extremely rare)
Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (“jaundice”) – be sure to tell your doctor about this!
Difficulty urinating.
Weight gain or loss.
These are not all the side effects of Tepadine.
It’s important to know!
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including vitamins and dietary supplements.
Do not receive any vaccines while you are having chemotherapy and for 6 months afterward.
Pregnancy and lactation
Tepadine can interfere with the development of the child, so it is extremely important to use reliable contraception throughout the course of therapy and several months later. Men should abstain from unprotected sex for at least 1 year.
Nursing mothers should switch to artificial feeding.
