Dactinomycin (Systemic)
Brand Names : Cosmegen, actinomycin-D
CategoryDescriptionDactinomycin (dak-ti-noe-MYE-sin) belongs to the group of medicines known
as antineoplastics. It is used to treat some kinds of cancer of the bones
and soft tissue, including muscles and tendons; Wilms" tumor (a cancer of
the kidney found primarily in children); tumors in the uterus or womb; and
cancer of the testicles.
Dactinomycin interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually
destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by dactinomycin,
other effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported
to your doctor. Other effects, like hair loss, may not be serious but may
cause concern. Some effects may not occur for months or years after the medicine
is used.
Before you begin treatment with dactinomycin, you and your doctor should
talk about the good this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it.
Dactinomycin is to be administered only by or under the immediate supervision
of your doctor. It is available in the following dosage form:
Parenteral
-
Injection (U.S. and Canada)
Brand NamesSome commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S. -
In Canada -
Another commonly used name is actinomycin-D
.
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