Thiotepa 15 & 100 mg

Dosage & Administration:

• As an infusion into the vein (intravenous, IV).
• Intracavitary infusion.  Installation of the medication into the cavity using the same catheter as used to drain the fluid out of a cavity.
• Intravesical infusion. This means it is given directly into the bladder through a urinary catheter.  The urinary catheter is inserted through the urethra (the tube which carries urine from the bladder to the outside the body).  The thiotepa solution is injected into the catheter, which is then removed.  Normal walking around helps to disperse the medication throughout the bladder.  The medication is left in for about 2 hours, after which the patient then empties the bladder (urinates).
• The amount of thiotepa that you will receive depends on many factors, including your height and weight, your general health or other health problems, and the type of cancer or condition being treated.  Your doctor will determine your dose and schedule.

• Low blood counts.  Your white and red blood cells and platelets may temporarily decrease.  This can put you at increased risk for infection, anemia and/or bleeding.
• Hair
• Nausea and vomiting (mild in regular doses, occurs more frequently with high-dose therapy).
• Mouth sores (with high-dose therapy).
• Allergic reaction in the form of skin, rash, hives, and rarely severe reaction; tightness of the throat, shortness of breath.
• Bladder irritation and rarely, bleeding (Hemorrhagic cystitis) following intravesical administration (see bladder problems).
• Skin rash and bronzing of the skin, redness, flaking, and peeling (with high-dose therapy).