 | Plicamycin (pli-ka-MY-sin) is a drug that is used to lower calcium levels
in your blood. It is a clear liquid that is injected into a vein. |
| A blood sample will be taken before each treatment. The dose and timing of
your chemotherapy may be changed based on your blood counts and/or other side effects. |
| Other drugs may interact with plicamycin. Tell your doctor if you are
taking any other drugs as your dose may need to be changed. Check with your doctor or
pharmacist before you start taking any new drugs. |
| The drinking of alcohol (in small amounts) will not affect the safety or
usefulness of plicamycin. |
| Plicamycin may damage sperm and may harm the baby if used during pregnancy. It is best
to use birth control while being treated with plicamycin. Tell your doctor
right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Do not breast feed
during treatment. |
| Tell doctors or dentists that you are being treated with plicamycin before
you receive any treatment from them. |
| SIDE EFFECTS |
MANAGEMENT |
| Plicamycin burns if it leaks under the skin. |
| Tell your nurse or doctor immediately if you feel
burning, stinging or any other change while the drug is being given. |
|
| Pain or tenderness may occur where the needle was
placed. |
| Apply cool compresses or soak in cool water for 15-20 minutes several times a day. |
|
| Nausea and vomiting may occur 1-2 hours after your
treatment and may last for 12- 24 hours. Some people have little or no nausea. |
You may be given an antinausea drug with your treatment and a
prescription to take at home. It is easier to prevent nausea than treat it once it has
occurred.
| Follow antinausea drug directions closely. |
| Drink plenty of liquids. |
| Eat often in small amounts. |
| Try the ideas in the For the Patient: Nausea. |
|
| Your white blood cells may decrease 5-10 days after
your treatment. They will return to normal 10-18 days after your last treatment. White
blood cells protect your body by fighting bacteria (germs) that cause infection. When they
are low, you are at greater risk of having an infection. |
To help prevent infection:
| Wash your hands often and always after using the bathroom. |
| Take care of your skin and mouth. |
| Avoid crowds and people who are sick. |
| Call your doctor immediately at the first sign of an
infection such as fever (over 100°F or 38°C), chills, cough, sore throat or burning when
you pass urine. |
|
| Your platelets may decrease 5-10 days after your
treatment. They will return to normal 10-18 days after your last treatment. Platelets help
to make your blood clot when you hurt yourself. You may bruise or bleed more easily
than usual. |
To help prevent bleeding problems:
| Try not to bruise, cut or burn yourself. |
| Clean your nose by blowing gently, do not pick your nose. |
| Avoid constipation. |
| For minor pain, take acetaminophen (eg, TylenolŽ). Do not take ASA (eg, AspirinŽ) or
ibuprofen (eg, AdvilŽ). |
|
| Sore mouth may occur a few days after treatment. Mouth
sores can occur on the tongue, the sides of the mouth or in the throat. Mouth sores or
bleeding gums can lead to an infection. |
| Brush your teeth gently after eating and at bedtime with a very soft toothbrush. If your
gums bleed, use gauze or your finger instead of a brush. |
| Make a mouthwash with ˝ teaspoon baking soda or salt in 1 cup warm water and rinse
several times a day. |
|
| Hair loss is rare with plicamycin.
Your hair will grow back once you stop treatment with plicamycin. Colour and texture may
change. |
| Use a gentle baby shampoo and soft brush. |
| Avoid hair spray, bleaches, dyes and perms. |
|
| Your skin may redden, thicken and darken in some areas
including your face. |
This should slowly return to normal once you stop treatment
with plicamycin. |
| Uncontrolled nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite or diarrhea. |
| Easy bruising or bleeding. |
| Redness, swelling, pain or sores where the needle was placed. |
| Redness, swelling, pain or sores on your lips, tongue, mouth or throat. |
| Headache, weakness, drowsiness. |
