Mitomycin is used to treat cancer. It slows down the growth of cancer cells by making them less able to create substances they need to multiply. Common side effects include mouth sores, hair loss, fever, loss of appetite, and stomach upset. Call your health care provider right away if you have fever, cough, shortness of breath, easy bleeding or bruising, unusual weakness or tiredness, reduced need to pee, or swelling.
Uses
What is mitomycin used for?
Mitomycin is commonly used to treat stomach cancer and pancreatic cancer.
Mitomycin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.
See also: Jelmyto (mitomycin pyelocalyceal)
How does mitomycin work (mechanism of action)?
Mitomycin slows down the growth of cancer cells by making them less able to create DNA, RNA, and proteins.
How is mitomycin supplied (dosage forms)?
Brands and other names
- Mitomycin C
- Mutamycin
Dosage forms and strengths
Mitomycin is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.
How should I store mitomycin?
Mitomycin is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of mitomycin?
The most common side effects of mitomycin are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Bone marrow suppression (see below)
- Pain, itching, swelling, rash, or infection near the injection site
- Mouth sores
- Hair loss
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
There may be other side effects of mitomycin that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of mitomycin?
While less common, the most serious side effects of mitomycin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Mitomycin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Bone Marrow Suppression. Mitomycin may cause your bone marrow to not make enough cells. This can lead to low blood levels of important cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and neutrophils. Bone marrow suppression can lead to infections or bleeding. This can be serious or even life-threatening. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of bone marrow suppression.
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Frequent infections
- Unusual weakness or tiredness
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
- Headache
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat
Tissue Damage. Mitomycin is given as an infusion into a vein. If the medicine does not go into your vein, it could damage nearby tissue. Tell your health care provider right away if you have pain, swelling, warmth, or skin color changes where the medicine is being or was given.
Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when using mitomycin. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.
- Reduced need to pee
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- A hard time catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Seizures
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. Mitomycin can cause a condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome. This condition is the result of damaged blood vessels in the kidneys, which can lead to kidney problems (including blood clots in the kidneys), destruction of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia), and low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia). Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hemolytic uremic syndrome.
- Fever
- Stomach pain or bloating
- Vomiting
- Bloody diarrhea
- Unusual weakness or tiredness
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath
- Easy bruising
- Bleeding from the nose and mouth
- Reduced need to pee
- Swelling
- Seizures
Lung Problems. Mitomycin can cause lung problems, which can be serious and even life-threatening. Tell your health care provider right away if you have a new cough or shortness of breath after receiving mitomycin.
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use mitomycin?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use mitomycin.
- Mitomycin
- Mitomycin C
- Mutamycin
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific mitomycin products they stock.
Increased Bleeding Risk. Mitomycin should not be used in people with low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), blood clotting problems, or an increased risk of bleeding due to other causes. If there is a concern about your bleeding risk, your health care provider may do tests to see if it is safe for you to use this medicine.
What should I know about mitomycin before using it?
Mitomycin is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic.
Keep all appointments for your blood tests.
What should I tell my health care provider before using mitomycin?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if mitomycin is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- Kidney problems
- Lung problems
- Heart problems, including heart failure
- Bleeding problems
Other Medicines and Supplements. Mitomycin may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using mitomycin, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Vaccines. Talk with your health care provider about any vaccines that you may need. You should not receive certain vaccines right before or while using mitomycin. Tell your health care provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how mitomycin could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if mitomycin passes into breast milk. You should not breastfeed while receiving mitomycin. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does mitomycin interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between mitomycin and foods or drinks.
There are no known interactions between mitomycin and alcohol, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight cancer.
Does mitomycin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any other chemotherapy before using mitomycin.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with mitomycin. Always check with your health care provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much mitomycin?
If you or someone else has used too much mitomycin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of mitomycin?
Mitomycin is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving mitomycin as scheduled.
If you miss an appointment to get your mitomycin dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.
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