Topotecan is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Topotecan is used to treat ovarian cancer, small cell lung cancer, and certain types of cervical cancer.

Topotecan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Do not use topotecan if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.

Topotecan can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using topotecan, and avoid coming into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus could be passed on to you.

Call your doctor at once if you have fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, severe diarrhea with fever or stomach pain, unusual weakness, white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips, or other signs of infection.

You should not use topotecan if you have:

• severe bone marrow depression; or

• if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

To make sure you can safely use topotecan, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease;

• lung disease or lung cancer; or

• if you have had a chest x-ray or radiation treatment of your chest area.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use topotecan if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether topotecan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using topotecan.