Streptozocin (strep-toe-ZOE-sin)

Treats cancer of the pancreas and other types of cancers, often in combination with other medicines.

Brand Name(s):

Zanosar

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• This medicine, like all medicines used to treat cancer, is very strong. Make sure you understand why you are getting it and what the risks and benefits of treatment are. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor.
• Your doctor will decide how much medicine you should have and when it will be given. A nurse or other caregiver trained to give cancer drugs will give your treatment.
• Your medicine will be given into a vein, usually in your arm, wrist, or hand, and sometimes in your chest. This is called intravenous (in-tra-VEEN-us), or IV.
• Drink 8 to 12 full glasses of liquid on the day you receive your medicine and for 1 to 2 days after.
• If the medicine turns from a pale gold color to dark brown, You should not use it.
• Do not get the medicine on your skin. If it does, wash the area well with soap and water, and tell your caregiver.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a regular schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or clinic where you get your treatments for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• If you have your treatments at a clinic, the staff at the clinic will keep your medicine there.
• If you have your treatments at home, you may need to store your medicine. Keep the liquid in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• Throw away any unused medicine if the expiration has passed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
• If you have your treatments at home, you should be given a special container for the used needles, medicine bags or bottles, and tubes. Put it where children or pets cannot reach it.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking phenytoin (Dilantin®).
• Avoid drinking alcohol or taking aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®).
• Talk to your doctor before getting any vaccines (such as flu shots).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Do not breastfeed while you are using streptozocin.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney or liver disease, diabetes, a bone marrow disorder, any kind of infection, or if you have recently had other chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
• It may be easier for you to get an infection while you are receiving streptozocin. Stay away from crowded places or people who are sick.
• This medicine may make your mouth sore and irritated. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush or mouth swab.
• This medicine can cause nausea and vomiting. Your doctor may prescribe medicine to keep you from feeling sick and throwing up. If the medicine does not help (you can't keep liquids down), call your doctor.
• Do not get pregnant while you or your sexual partner are being treated with this medicine. Use an effective form of birth control while taking streptozocin.
• If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before you start your treatments.
• Some cancer drugs may make you sterile (unable to have children), whether you are a man or woman. If you plan to have children someday, talk with your doctor before you start your treatments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Pain, burning, or changes in the skin where the IV is put in
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Unexplained fever, chills, or sore throat
• Anxiety, confusion, cold sweats
• Pain when urinating or decreased amount of urine
• Shakiness, tiredness, or weakness
• Yellowing of eyes or skin

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088