Cosmegen 0.5mg Injection
Product Info
| Prescription required | Yes |
| Marketer | Wockhardt Ltd |
| Active Ingredient | Dactinomycin (0.5mg) |
| Storage | Store below 30°C |
| Chemical Class | Antitumor Antibiotics |
| Habit Forming | No |
| Therapeutic Class | ANTI NEOPLASTICS |
| Action Class | Alkaloids-cytotoxic agents |
| User Rating | 4.9 |
| User Reviews | 597 |
FAQ
Cosmegen 0.5mg Injection Reviews
Cosmegen 0.5mg is used for the treatment of several kinds of cancer such as some kinds of cancer that affect the testicles (testicular cancer), uterus or womb (gestational trophoblastic neoplasia), kidneys (Wilms' tumor), bones and muscles (Ewing's sarcoma).
Cosmegen 0.5mg works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. It is given under the supervision of a healthcare professional and should not be self-administered. It might be given as a single therapy or in combination with some other medication. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to. You should avoid drinking alcohol as it may increase your risk of liver damage.
The most common side effects of this medicine include nausea, vomiting, mouth ulcers and loss of appetite. If they do not go away or get worse, tell your doctor. There may be ways of preventing or reducing these effects. It is very strong medicine and some people may develop serious side effects while taking it. This medicine may lower your ability to fight infections and lead to problems with your blood, liver or kidneys. Your doctor will advise you regular blood tests to check for these.
Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have liver, or kidney problems or are taking any medicines to treat infections. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your doctor know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It may harm your baby. You and your partner should avoid becoming pregnant or fathering a child for several months after your treatment with it has stopped. Your doctor may perform several tests such as blood tests, and physical examinations both before and during treatment with this medicine.
Cosmegen 0.5mg works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. It is given under the supervision of a healthcare professional and should not be self-administered. It might be given as a single therapy or in combination with some other medication. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to. You should avoid drinking alcohol as it may increase your risk of liver damage.
The most common side effects of this medicine include nausea, vomiting, mouth ulcers and loss of appetite. If they do not go away or get worse, tell your doctor. There may be ways of preventing or reducing these effects. It is very strong medicine and some people may develop serious side effects while taking it. This medicine may lower your ability to fight infections and lead to problems with your blood, liver or kidneys. Your doctor will advise you regular blood tests to check for these.
Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have liver, or kidney problems or are taking any medicines to treat infections. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your doctor know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It may harm your baby. You and your partner should avoid becoming pregnant or fathering a child for several months after your treatment with it has stopped. Your doctor may perform several tests such as blood tests, and physical examinations both before and during treatment with this medicine.
How Cosmegen 0.5mg Injection Works
Cosmegen 0.5mg is an anti-cancer medication. It works by damaging the genetic material (DNA) of the cancer cells and stops their growth and multiplication.
How to Use Cosmegen 0.5mg Injection
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
Benefits of Cosmegen 0.5mg Injection
- In Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), is a rare tumor that develops inside the uterus from the tissue that forms after the female conceives (successful fusion of sperm and egg). Cosmegen 0.5mg is given to kill such kinds of tumor cells and prevent their further growth. This medicine is given only under medical guidance. Consult your doctor if you have any doubts.
- In Ewing's sarcoma: Exing’s sarcoma is a tumor that grows in your bones or the soft tissue around your bones, such as cartilage or the nerves. It usually affects children and young adults. Cosmegen 0.5mg helps to treat Ewing’s sarcoma. It may be given alone or in combination with other medicines. It is a potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- In Testicular cancer: Testicular cancer is the cancer in the male organs called testicles, that make male hormones and sperm. The testicles are located inside a loose bag of skin (scrotum) underneath the penis. Cosmegen 0.5mg kills or stops the growth of cancer cells and also prevents the multiplication of cancer cells in men. It is given as an injection by a doctor or nurse and should not be self-administered.
- In Wilms' tumor: Wilms’ tumor, also known as nephroblastoma, is the most common cancer of the kidneys in children. Cosmegen 0.5mg is used along with other other medicines or treatment modalities such as surgery, radiation or chemotherapy depending on the stage or severity of the cancer and the condition of the patient. Follow the doctor’s instructions carefully to get the most benefit.
Uses of Cosmegen 0.5mg Injection
- Wilms' tumor
- Testicular cancer
- Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia
- Ewing's sarcoma
Cosmegen 0.5mg Injection Side Effects
Safety Tips
Driving
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether Cosmegen 0.5mg alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
Liver
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
There is limited information available on the use of Cosmegen 0.5mg in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Cosmegen 0.5mg is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Cosmegen 0.5mg is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Cosmegen 0.5mg may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Cosmegen 0.5mg is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Alcohol
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Cosmegen 0.5mg. Please consult your doctor.
Quick Tips
- Inform your doctor immediately if you notice unusual bruising or bleeding or if you have dark, tarry, or bloody stools and dark urine.
- Do not skip any dose and complete the course as suggested by your doctor.
- You may need to have blood tests to monitor your blood cells, platelets count, liver function and kidney function during treatment.
- Cosmegen 0.5mg is given as an injection into vein under the supervision of a doctor only.
- Use an effective method of birth control to avoid pregnancy while taking this medication.
References
- Chabner BA, Bertino J, Cleary J, et al. Cytotoxic Agents. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. p. 1712-13.
- Dactinomycin. Immeuble Le Wilson: Orphan Europe SARL; 2006 [revised Jun. 2013].
- Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 348-49.