Dactinomycin or Actinomycin-D
(dak-ti-noe-MYE-sin) (ak-ti-noe-MYE-sin-dee)
Definition | Special instructions | Missed dose | Side effects | Warning signs| Contact us
What is dactinomycin (actinomycin-D)?
Dactinomycin (actinomycin-D) is a drug used to treat certain types of cancer. It is available as an injectable medication.
Special Instructions
- Dactinomycin (actinomycin-D) is usually given in the hospital or clinic.
- Dactinomycin (actinomycin-D) may cause pain and swelling around the site where it is being given to your child. Inform a nurse or physician immediately if this occurs.
- This drug may increase your child's sensitivity to the sun. Be careful to limit your child's sun exposure and to have him/her use sunscreen (SPF 15) and wear protective clothing (long sleeves and hats) when going outside.
- If too much medicine is taken by accident, call the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC), 513-636-5111 or 1-800-222-1222, or call your child's doctor immediately.
- Keep this medication out of the reach of children.
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If a dose is missed
For any medication information related to your child's dosing schedule and/or missed doses, contact the healthcare provider who prescribed the medication.
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Side effects
Contact your child's doctor if symptoms persist or become bothersome:
- Hair loss
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Sore throat/mouth or difficulty swallowing
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Warning signs
Call your child's doctor immediately if your child develops:
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Sever throat or mouth pain, or difficulty swallowing
- Yellowing of the skin and/or eyes
- Rash
- Fever
- Pain or swelling at the IV site
- Bleeding or easy bruising
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Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
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Rev. 9/05, 9/07
