Thiotepa (Aziridine, Thioplex, Immunex)

Class of Drugs: Alkylating Agent

Manufacturer: Immunex

Information on Patient Assistance program: None Available

Description: Solution for intravenous injection. In order to eliminate haze, filter solutions through a 0.22 micron filter* prior to administration. Filtering does not alter solution potency. Reconstituted solutions should be clear. Solutions that remain opaque or precipitate after filtration should not be used.

Ingredient: Aziridine

Use: Adenocarcinoma of the breast or ovary.

Warnings:
Skin reactions associated with accidental exposure to thiotepa may occur. The use of gloves is recommended. If thiotepa solution contacts the skin, immediately wash the skin thoroughly with soap and water. If thiotepa contacts mucous membranes, the membranes should be flushed thoroughly with water.

Thioplex is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity (allergy) to this preparation.

Therapy is probably contraindicated in cases of existing hepatic, renal, or bone-marrow damage. However, if the need outweighs the risk in such patients, thiotepa may be used in low dosage, and accompanied by hepatic, renal and hemopoietic function tests.

Side Effects:
The serious complication of excessive thiotepa therapy, or sensitivity to the effects of thiotepa, is bone-marrow depression. If proper precautions are not observed thiotepa may cause leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia.

You should notify your physician in the case of any sign of bleeding (epistaxis, easy bruising, change in color of urine, black stool) or infection (fever, chills) or possible pregnancy.

Effective contraception should be used during thiotepa therapy.

Hypersensitivity reactions include rash, urticaria, laryngeal edema, asthma, anaphylactic shock, wheezing, contact dermatitis and pain at the injection site.

Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, anorexia, decreased ability to urinate and  urinary retention may occur. There have been rare reports of chemical cystitis or hemorrhagic cystitis following intravesical, but not parenteral administration of thiotepa.

Prolonged apnea has been reported when succinylcholine was administered prior to surgery, following combined use of thiotepa and other anticancer agents. It was theorized that this was caused by decrease of pseudocholinesterase activity caused by the anticancer drugs.

Thiotepa may cause dizziness, headache, blurred vision, conjunctivitis, fatigue, weakness, dermatitisand  alopecia. Febrile reaction and discharge from a subcutaneous lesion may occur as the result of breakdown of tumor tissue. Skin depigmentation has been reported following topical use.

There have also been reports of amenorrhea and thiotepa causing interference with spermatogenesis.

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This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice. All treatment decisions should be made with your team of medical professionals and prescriptions must be given by your doctor. See TERMS AND CONDITIONS.