What is Mitomycin gel?
Adults can use Mitomycin Gel to treat cancer in the lining of their upper urinary system, including their kidneys.
This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Mitomycin Gel.
Side effects Mitomycin gel
If you notice any of the following symptoms of an allergy reaction, seek medical assistance immediately: difficulty breathing, hives or swelling on the lips, face, throat or tongue.
The ureter, the tube through which urine flows from your kidneys to your bladder, may become enlarged and narrowed by mitomycin gel. If you experience a high fever or pain in the side, lower back, and/or kidneys, then call your doctor immediately.
Call your doctor immediately if:
- Pain or difficulty urinating;
- Blood in urine
- Low blood counts: fever; chills; skin and mouth sores. Easy bruising. Unusual bleeding. Pale skin. Cold hands and feet. Feeling lightheaded.
Mitomycin can cause a variety of side effects.
- Side pain, urinary problems, and blood in the urine are all symptoms of a kidney problem.
- Kidney problems;
- Tiredness;
- Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report any side effects by calling the FDA's hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Cisplatin, Keytruda, Capecitabine, Pembrolizumab, Fluorouracil, Xeloda, and Nivolumab
Warnings
The ureter, the tube through which urine flows from your kidneys to your bladder, may become enlarged and narrowed by mitomycin gel. If you experience a high fever or pain in the side, lower back, and/or kidneys, then call your doctor immediately.
Before you take this drug
If you're allergic to the gel or have any of these conditions:
- A perforation is a tear or hole in the bladder.
Before starting the treatment, you may be required to take a pregnancy test.
An unborn child can be harmed by mitomycin gel if either the mother or father uses this medication.
- Do not use the mitomycin cream if you're pregnant. You should use birth control during the time you take this medication and at least six months afterward.
- Use effective birth control if you're a male. Continue to use birth control at least three months after your last pill.
- Do not wait to tell your doctor if you become pregnant while using mitomycin.
You should not breastfeed for at least a week after taking this medication.
How to take Mitomycin gel?
A catheter is used to inject the gel directly into your kidney. The tube that you use to pass urine from your bladder, the urethra, will be inserted. This medication will be provided by a healthcare professional.
You will also need to take sodium bicarbonate before each mitomycin treatment. Follow your doctor's directions carefully when taking this medication.
The usual dosage is one dose of mitomycin per week for six weeks.
You should always follow your doctor's instructions.
After the initial six treatments, it is possible to continue using mitomycin gel for up to an additional 11 months.
Your urine color may change to violet or blue after receiving this medication.
Your urine may contain dangerous materials after you have taken this medication. At least six hours after treatment with mitomycin:
- Sit on the toilet when urinating. After using the toilet, make sure to flush it several times afterward.
- After using the toilet, wash your hands. Wash your inner thighs, genital region, and genital area with soap and warm water.
- Wear latex gloves when cleaning up urine.
- Wash the clothes immediately if urine gets on them.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for stomach cancer:
Following full recovery of hematologic function from previous chemotherapy, 20 mg/m2 intravenously at intervals between 6 and 8 weeks
Comments:
Because of the cumulative nature of myelosuppression in this drug, the dosage should be reduced after every course if there is toxicity.
The use of doses greater than 20 mg/m2 has not been shown to have higher effectiveness and is more toxic.
Uses:
For disseminated stomach adenocarcinoma in combination with approved chemotherapy agents, or for palliative therapy when all other options have failed
Disseminated pancreatic adenocarcinoma in combination with approved chemotherapeutics or palliative therapy when all other options have failed
Adult dose for gastric cancer:
Following full recovery of hematologic function from previous chemotherapy, 20 mg/m2 intravenously at intervals between 6 and 8 weeks
Comments:
Because of the cumulative nature of myelosuppression in this drug, the dosage should be reduced after every course if there is toxicity.
The use of doses greater than 20 mg/m2 has not been shown to have higher effectiveness and is more toxic.
Uses:
For disseminated stomach adenocarcinoma in combination with approved chemotherapy agents, or for palliative therapy when all other options have failed
Disseminated pancreatic adenocarcinoma in combination with approved chemotherapeutics or palliative therapy when all other options have failed
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are unable to attend your appointment, call your doctor and ask for a new date.
What happens if I overdose?
A mitomycin overdose will be unlikely since the medication is administered by healthcare professionals in a medical environment.
What should be avoided?
Avoid letting urine contact your skin for at least six hours following each treatment.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your doctor of all other medications you are taking, including diuretics or water pills.
Mitomycin gel may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you will begin or stop taking
