Uses of Mitomycin

Mitomycin is used in cancer therapy to treat and provide relief from symptoms of advanced/metastatic stomach, breast, and pancreatic cancer.

Mitomycin is also used to treat neck, respiratory tract, cervix, and rectal cancer. It is also indicated for use to prevent recurrence of bladder cancer following transurethral resection (surgery) in affected individuals.

Therapeutic Category

Mitomycin: Antineoplastic agents

How Mitomycin works

Mitomycin works by interfering with the development of DNA (genetic material of a cell) in cancer cells which results in its destruction and prevention of its spread to different parts of the body thus treating the disease and providing relief from its associated symptoms in affected individuals.

Common side effects of Mitomycin

• Blood disorders such as decreased number of white blood cells (increasing the risk of infections) and platelets (causing easy bruising and bleeding)
• Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation
• Signs of lung disorders such as shortness of breath, dry cough, inspiratory crackles
• Tiredness, breathlessness, cough
• Skin rashes and irritation of skin
• Palmar-plantar erythema (swelling, numbness and painful redness on palms and soles)
• Inflammation of connective tissue, death of tissue on injection site (after accidental injection in the surrounding tissue)
• Bladder inflammation accompanied with blood in urine
• Painful urination, excessive frequent urination sometimes over the night
• Local irritation of bladder wall

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor, if you experience:

• Signs of severe allergic reaction such as faintness, skin rash/red itchy welts, itching, swelling of lips/face, airway with trouble breathing, and/or loss of consciousness
• Signs of severe lung disease such as shortness of breath, dry cough and crackles during breath-in
• Signs of severe renal dysfunction such as decreased urine output, fatigue, shortness of breath
• Fever
• Sores in the mouth
• High blood pressure
• Pneumonia

Health Tips for Mitomycin

• Always give Mitomycin as prescribed by your healthcare provider
• Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Mitomycin, as it can enhance certain side effects
• Do not use this medicine, if you are allergic to Mitomycin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
• Do not drive or operate any machines if you experience nausea/ vomiting after receiving Mitomycin
• Drink an adequate amount of water unless to prevent dehydration
• Inform your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
• Mitomycin is not recommended for use in pregnant or planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding women