Download Dactinomycin

Drug – Dactinomycin
Office for Human Research Studies
DANA-FARBER / HARVARD CANCER CENTER
Dactinomycin
FDA Approved
Risks Associated with Dactinomycin
Frequent (Between a 10-50% chance that this will happen)
 Feeling sick to the stomach, vomiting
 Hairloss
 Diarrhea, which is frequent, loose watery stools, which can cause dehydration
and may require hospitalization and treatment with intravenous fluids. Severe
and prolonged diarrhea can be life-threatening.
Occasional (Between a 1-10% chance that this will happen)
 Condition in which the number of white blood cells called neutrophils is
abnormally low. This increases the risk of infection, which may be serious or life
threatening.
 Low number of platelets, which may cause bleeding and bruising. Bleeding may
be serious or life threatening and may required a blood transfusion.
 Low number of red blood cells that can causes tiredness and shortness of
breath. May require a blood transfusion.
 Skin irritation, rash
 Difficulty swallowing
 A reaction at the site where an injection (shot) was given, which may cause some
redness and swelling
 Liver damage which can cause fatigue, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and
eyes). Although this is usually mild and reversible, this can be serious or life
threatening and may require hospitalization and surgery.
 Sores in the mouth and esophagus, which may be painful and cause difficulty
swallowing.
 Severe skin rash with blisters and can involve inside of mouth and other parts of
the body.
CF Builder Generated Version: 05.27.2016
DFCI IRB Approved Version: 05.20.2016