Trabectedin: Side Effects, Overdose and Pregnancy Information

Trabectedin is an anti-neoplastic chemotherapy drug for cancer. Trabectedin is used to treat a type of cancer known as soft tissue sarcoma, which affects muscles, fatty tissue and other soft tissue, such as cartilage or blood vessels. Trabectedin works by stopping the cancer cells from multiplying. Trabectedin is given by slow infusion (intravenously drip) into a vein over 24 hours. Dexamethasone is always given before treatment with Trabectedin to help reduce sickness and protect the liver. Trabectedin is used when other drugs have not been effective or are unsuitable.

TRABECTEDIN SIDE EFFECTS

Side effects of Trabectedin may include nausea and vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, abdominal pain, anemia, loss of appetite, weight loss, injection site reaction, shortness of breath, pain in muscle or joints, fever, fatigue, weakness, headache, swollen ankles,insomnia, dizziness, low blood pressure, inflammation of the lining of the mouth, bacterial, viral or fungal infections, muscle breakdown, and hair loss.

Trabectedin Warning and Caution

Blood test is needed before each treatment with Trabectedin to check the blood cells, liver, kidney function, Bilirubin and CPK levels. These tests should also be carried out weekly during the first two treatments.

Trabectedin can cause a decrease in the normal amounts of blood cells in the blood.

Trabectedin may have side effects on the muscles.

Trabectedin may also have side effects on liver.

Avoid alcohol while having treatment with Trabectedin because this may increase the chance of side effects on the liver.

Trabectedin should be used with caution in people with decreased kidney, liver function or liver disease.

Trabectedin should not to be used in severe or uncontrolled infection, people with high levels of Bilirubin, people with severely decreased kidney function, people with low numbers of white blood cells, platelets or haemoglobin in their blood, people with raised liver enzymes or creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) levels.

Trabectedin is not recommended for children under 18.

Trabectedin and Pregnancy

Trabectedin should not be used during pregnancy as it may cause serious birth defects in fetus. Seek medical advice from your physician if you get pregnant or plan to get pregnant while using Trabectedin.

Trabectedin passes into breast milk. Nursing mothers should switch to bottle-feed while taking Trabectedin.

Trabectedin Interaction

There may be an increased risk of side effects on the muscles if Trabectedin is used in combination with any of the following medicines:

Statins for lowering cholesterol

Fibrates for lowering cholesterol

Ezetimibe

Niacin

The following medicines may prevent the breakdown of Trabectedin by the body and so may increase the risk of side effects:

Azole antifungals

Ciclosporin

Macrolide antibiotics

Protease inhibitors for HIV infection

Verapamil

The use of phenytoin in combination with Trabectedin is not recommended as this could increase the risk of convulsions.

The following medicines may decrease the amount of Trabectedin in the blood and could therefore make it less effective:

Phenobarbital

Rifampicin

Herb St. John's wort

Trabectedin Overdose

In case of Trabectedin overdose, seek medical attention right away.