Drug Class Description

Generic Name

Drug Description

Indications

Adult Dosage

May be given by intravenous, intramuscular or intrathecal injection; may be given directly into pleural, pericardial or peritoneal cavities and as a bladder installation.

Child Dosage

Elderly Dosage

Contra Indications

Special Precautions

Thiotepa must be stored in a refrigerator (2-8.C). Reconstituted solutions may be stored in a refrigerator (2-8.C) for 24 hours; however, if a precipitate forms the injection must be discarded. Thiotepa should not be handled by pregnant staff. There is some evidence of carcinogenicity - in patients treated with thioptepa, cases of myelodysplastic syndromes and non-lymphocytic leukaemia have been reported.

Use with extreme caution in patients with existing hepatic, renal or bone marrow damage. WBC and platelet counts recommended 12-24 hours before each dose of thiotepa, at weekly intervals and during therapy, and for at least three weeks after therapy has been discontinued, regardless of route of administration, except when used topically as eye drops or in the treatment of condyloma acuminata. Pregnancy and lactation - use only if benefit outweighs risk to the foetus or child.

Adverse Reactions

Death from septicaemia and haemorrhage has occurred as a direct consequence of haematopoietic suppression. Fatal cases of bone marrow suppression from systemically absorbed drug following intravesical administration have been reported. Also, vomiting, headache, anorexia, fatigue, weakness, allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, abdominal pain, dizziness, blurred vision, conjunctivitis, amenorrhoea, and interference with spermatogenesis.

Rarely, alopecia. Local irritation comparable to mild radiation cystitis may occur after bladder installation, while haemorrhagic cystitis is rare. Depigmentation reported rarely after use of thiotepa eye drops.

Drug Availability

Updated