Skip to content
ppharmaranks
Menu

topotecan hydrochloride

Topotecan Hydrochloride is a medication used to treat Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma, Uterine Cervical Neoplasms, Ovarian Neoplasms, Small Cell Carcinoma.

Generic · by Accord Hlthcare

Generic of Hycamtin

Not yet rated· sourced from the FDA label
Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated June 7, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass

Key facts

Active ingredient
Topotecan Hydrochloride
Form
Injectable
Strength
Topotecan Hydrochloride EQ 1MG BASE/ML (EQ 1MG BASE/ML) · Topotecan Hydrochloride EQ 4MG BASE/4ML (EQ 1MG BASE/ML)
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Generic
Manufacturer
Accord Hlthcare
FDA application
ANDA204406

What is Topotecan Hydrochloride?

From the FDA label:Topotecan is a semi-synthetic derivative of camptothecin and is an anti-tumor drug with topoisomerase I-inhibitory activity. The chemical name for topotecan free base is ( S )-10-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-4-ethyl-4,9-dihydroxy-1 H -pyrano[3’,4’:6,7]indolizino[1,2- b ]quinoline-3,14-(4 H ,12 H )-dione. It has the molecular formula C 23 H 23 N 3 O 5 and a molecular weight of 421.45. Topotecan has three pKa values: pKa 1 = 10.50 corresponding to the benzyldimethylamino group, pKa 2 = 6.99 corresponding to the phenol group and pKa 3 = 0.60 corresponding to the quinoline group. As formulated in Topotecan Injection, topotecan has the following structural formula: where n is >1, corresponding to HCl added to adjust the pH to approximately 1.5 to 2.5. Topotecan Injection is supplied as a sterile, non-pyrogenic, clear, yellow solution at a topotecan free base concentration of 4 mg/4 mL (1 mg/mL) and 1 mg/mL available in multiple dose vials. Each mL of Topotecan Injection contains topotecan hydrochloride equivalent to 1 mg of topotecan as free base, 5 mg tartaric acid, NF, and water for injection, USP. Hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may be used to adjust the pH.. The hydrochloride salt of topotecan is soluble in water and melts with decomposition at 213 ° C to 218°C. The solution must be diluted before administration by intravenous infusion. structural formula

How to use

Verify dose using body surface area prior to dispensing. Recommended dosage should not exceed 4 mg [see Overdosage 10 ]. Prior to administration of the first course of Topotecan Injection, patients must have a baseline neutrophil count of >1,500 cells/mm 3 and a platelet count of >100,000 cells/mm 3 . Small cell lung cancer: 1.5 mg/m 2 by intravenous infusion over 30 minutes daily for 5 consecutive days, starting on day one of a 21-day course. ( 2.1 ) Cervical cancer: 0.75 mg/m 2 by intravenous infusion over 30 minutes on days 1, 2, and 3 followed by cisplatin 50 mg/m 2 by intravenous infusion on day 1 repeated every 21 days. ( 2.2 ) See Dosage Modification Guidelines for patients with neutropenia or reduced platelets.( 2.1 , 2.2 ) See Dosage Adjustment in Renal Impairment. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Small Cell Lung Cancer Recommended Dosage The recommended dose of topotecan is 1.5 mg/m 2 by intravenous infusion over 30 minutes daily for 5 consecutive days, starting on day 1 of a 21-day course. In the absence of tumor progression, a minimum of 4 courses is recommended because tumor response may be delayed. The median time to response in 4 small cell lung cancer trials was 5 to 7 weeks. Dosage Modification Guidelines In the event of severe neutropenia (defined as <500 cells/mm 3 ) during any course, reduce the dose by 0.25 mg/m 2 (to 1.25 mg/m 2 ) for subsequent courses. Alternatively, in the…

Side effects

Small cell lung cancer: The most common hematologic adverse reactions were: neutropenia (97%), leukopenia (97%), anemia (89%), and thrombocytopenia (69%). ( 6.1 ) The most common (>25%) non-hematologic adverse reactions (all grades) were: nausea, alopecia, vomiting, sepsis or pyrexia/infection with neutropenia, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, and pyrexia. ( 6.1 ) Cervical cancer (Topotecan Injection plus cisplatin): The most common hematologic adverse reactions (all grades) were: anemia (94%), leukopenia (91%), neutropenia (89%), and thrombocytopenia (74%). ( 6.1 ) The most common (>25%) non-hematologic adverse reactions (all grades) were: pain, nausea, vomiting, and infection/febrile neutropenia. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Accord Healthcare Inc. at 1-866-941-7875 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Small Cell Lung Cancer Data in the following section are based on the combined experiences of the 879 patients studied, including 426 patients with small cell lung cancer treated with topotecan. Table 1 lists the principle hematologic adverse…

FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)

Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label

Do not give Topotecan Injection to patients with baseline neutrophil counts less than 1,500 cells/mm 3 . In order to monitor the occurrence of bone marrow suppression, primarily neutropenia, which may be severe and result in infection and death, monitor peripheral blood counts frequently on all patients receiving Topotecan Injection . [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ] WARNING: BONE MARROW SUPPRESSION See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning Do not give Topotecan to patients with baseline neutrophil counts less than 1,500 cells/mm 3 . In order to monitor the occurrence of bone marrow suppression, primarily neutropenia, which may be severe and result in infection and death, monitor peripheral blood cell counts frequently on all patients receiving Topotecan Injection. ( 5.1 )

Warnings

Important safety information

Bone marrow suppression: Administer Topotecan Injection only to patients with adequate bone marrow reserves. Monitor peripheral blood counts and adjust the dose if needed. ( 5.1 ) Topotecan-induced neutropenia can lead to neutropenic colitis. ( 5.2 ) Interstitial lung disease: topotecan has been associated with reports of interstitial lung disease. Monitor patients for symptoms and discontinue Topotecan Injection if the diagnosis is confirmed. ( 5.3 ) Pregnancy: Can cause fetal harm. Advise women of potential risk to the fetus. ( 5.4 , 8.1 ) 5.1 Bone Marrow Suppression Bone marrow suppression (primarily neutropenia) is the dose-limiting toxicity of Topotecan Injection. Neutropenia is not cumulative over time. In the comparative study, in small cell lung cancer, the treatment-related death rates were 5% for topotecan and 4% for CAV (cyclophosphamide-doxorubicin-vincristine). Neutropenia From a combined experience of patients receiving topotecan which included patients treated for small cell lung cancer: Grade 4 neutropenia (<500 cells/mm 3 ) was most common during course 1 of treatment (60% of patients) and occurred in 39% of all courses, with a median duration of 7 days. The nadir neutrophil count occurred at a median of 12 days. Therapy-related sepsis or febrile neutropenia occurred in 23% of patients, and sepsis was fatal in 1%. Pancytopenia has been reported. Cervical cancer experience: Grade 3 and grade 4 neutropenia affected 26 % and 48 % of patients, respectively. Thrombocytopenia From a combined experience of patients receiving topotecan which included patients treated for small cell lung cancer: Grade 4 thrombocytopenia (<25,000/mm 3 ) occurred in 27% of patients and in 9% of courses, with a median duration of 5 days and platelet nadir at a median of 15 days. Platelet transfusions were given to 15% of patients in 4% of courses. Cervical cancer experience: Grade 3 and grade 4 thrombocytopenia affected 26 % and 7 % of patients, respectively. Anemia From a combined experience of patients receiving topotecan which included patients treated for small cell lung cancer: Grade 3/4 anemia (<8 g/dL) occurred in 37% of patients and in 14% of courses. Median nadir was at day 15. Transfusions were needed in 52% of patients in 22% of courses. Cervical cancer experience: Grade 3 and grade 4 anemia affected 34 % and 6 % of patients, respectively. Monitoring of Bone Marrow Function Administer Topotecan Injection only in patients with adequate bone marrow reserves, including baseline neutrophil count of at least 1,500 cells/mm 3 and platelet count at least 100,000/mm 3 . Monitor peripheral blood counts frequently during treatment with Topotecan Injection. Do not treat patients with subsequent courses of Topotecan Injection until neutrophils recover to >1,000 cells/mm 3 , platelets recover to >100,000 cells/mm 3 , and hemoglobin levels recover to 9 g/dL (with transfusion if necessary).Severe myelotoxicity has been reported when Topotecan Injection is used in combination with cisplatin [see Drug Interactions ( 7 ) ] 5.2 Neutropenic Colitis Topotecan-induced neutropenia can lead to neutropenic colitis. Fatalities due to neutropenic colitis have been reported in clinical trials with Topotecan Injection. In patients presenting with fever, neutropenia, and a compatible pattern of abdominal pain, consider the possibility of neutropenic colitis. 5.3 Interstitial Lung Disease Topotecan Injection has been associated with reports of interstitial lung disease (ILD), some of which have been fatal [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 ) ]. Underlying risk factors include history of ILD, pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, thoracic exposure to radiation, and use of pneumotoxic drugs and/or colony stimulating factors. Monitor patients for pulmonary symptoms indicative of interstitial lung disease (e.g., cough, fever, dyspnea, and/or hypoxia), and discontinue Topotecan Injection if a new diagnosis of ILD is confirmed. 5.4 Pregnancy Pregnancy Category D Topotecan Injection can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Topotecan caused embryolethality, fetotoxicity, and teratogenicity in rats and rabbits when administered during organogenesis. There are no adequate and well controlled studies of Topotecan Injection in pregnant women. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if a patient becomes pregnant while receiving Topotecan Injection, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. [see Use in Specific Populations, Pregnancy ( 8.1 ) ] 5.5 Inadvertent Extravasation Inadvertent extravasation with topotecan has been observed, most reactions have been mild but severe cases have been reported.

Who should not take Topotecan Hydrochloride

Topotecan Injection is contraindicated in patients who have a history of severe hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylactoid reactions) to topotecan or to any of its ingredients. Topotecan Injection should not be used in patients with severe bone marrow depression. History of severe hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylactoid reactions) to topotecan or any of its ingredients ( 4 ) Severe bone marrow depression ( 4 )

Overdose — what happens if you take too much

Overdoses (up to 10-fold of the prescribed dose) occurred in patients treated with intravenous topotecan. The primary complication of overdosage is bone marrow suppression. The observed signs and symptoms of overdose are consistent with the known adverse reactions associated with Topotecan Injection for intravenous use [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 , 6.2 ) ]. In addition, elevated hepatic enzymes and mucositis have been reported following overdose. One patient received a single dose of 40 mg/m 2 of intravenous topotecan and developed gastrointestinal toxicity, skin toxicity, and myelosuppression leading to septic shock. Another patient received a single dose of 35 mg/m 2 and experienced severe, reversible neutropenia. There is no known antidote for overdosage with Topotecan Injection. If an overdose is suspected, monitor the patient for bone marrow suppression and institute supportive-care measures (such as prophylactic G-CSF and antibiotic therapy) as appropriate.

U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.

Interactions

G-CSF: Concomitant administration of G-CSF can prolong the duration of neutropenia, so if G-CSF is to be used, do not initiate it until day 6 of the course of therapy, 24 hours after completion of treatment with Topotecan Injection. Platinum and Other Cytotoxic Agents: Myelosuppression was more severe when topotecan, at a dose of 1.25 mg/m 2 /day for 5 days, was given in combination with cisplatin at a dose of 50 mg/m 2 in Phase 1 studies. In one study, 1 of 3 patients had severe neutropenia for 12 days and a second patient died with neutropenic sepsis. Greater myelosuppression is also likely to be seen when Topotecan Injection is used in combination with other cytotoxic agents, thereby necessitating a dose reduction. However, when combining topotecan with platinum agents (e.g., cisplatin or carboplatin), a distinct sequence-dependent interaction on myelosuppression has been reported. Coadministration of a platinum agent on day 1 of dosing with topotecan required lower doses of each agent compared to co-administration on day 5 of the dosing schedule for topotecan. For information on the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, and dosing of Topotecan Injection at a dose of 0.75 mg/m 2 /day on days 1, 2, and 3 in combination with cisplatin 50 mg/m 2 on day 1 for cervical cancer [see Dosage and Administration ( 2 ) , Adverse Reactions ( 6 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) and Clinical Studies ( 14 ) ] . Do not initiate G-CSF until 24 hours after completion of treatment with Topotecan Injection. Concomitant administration can prolong duration of neutropenia. ( 7 ) Greater myelosuppression is likely to be seen when used in combination with other cytotoxic agents. ( 7 )

May treat (source: NIH RxClass)

Dosage forms

Injectable

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

Ways to save

Ask for the generic

Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →

Request a 90-day supply

Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.

Use copay cards

Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.

Compare alternatives

A same-class option may cost less. See alternatives →

Frequently asked questions

What does Topotecan Hydrochloride treat?
Topotecan Hydrochloride (Topotecan Hydrochloride) may be used to treat non-small-cell lung carcinoma, uterine cervical neoplasms, ovarian neoplasms, small cell carcinoma, small cell lung carcinoma, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
Is there a coupon or discount for Topotecan Hydrochloride?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Topotecan Hydrochloride. To pay less, Topotecan Hydrochloride is already a generic — usually the lowest-cost version — so the main levers are comparing cash prices between pharmacies and using a pharmacy discount-card service. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Topotecan Hydrochloride?
Topotecan Hydrochloride is marketed by Accord Hlthcare. You can see Accord Hlthcare's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Topotecan Hydrochloride a brand-name or generic drug?
Topotecan Hydrochloride is a generic medication; its active ingredient is Topotecan Hydrochloride. Generics contain the same active ingredient as the brand-name original and are usually lower cost.
Is Topotecan Hydrochloride available over the counter?
No. Topotecan Hydrochloride is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Topotecan Hydrochloride come in?
Topotecan Hydrochloride is currently marketed as injectable, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
Is Topotecan Hydrochloride FDA-registered?
Topotecan Hydrochloride is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number ANDA204406. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Is Topotecan Hydrochloride safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Topotecan Hydrochloride. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Topotecan Hydrochloride?
Topotecan Hydrochloride's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: Small cell lung cancer: The most common hematologic adverse reactions were: neutropenia (97%), leukopenia (97%), anemia (89%), and thrombocytopenia (69%). ( 6.1 ) The most common (>25%) non-hematologic adverse reactions (all grades) were: nausea, alopecia, vomiting,… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to write one.

Write a review

Reviews are user opinions, not medical advice. Consult a licensed professional.

People also viewed

Compare Topotecan Hydrochloride head-to-head

Identify a pill by its imprint →Check a drug interaction →Drug recalls →

Browse medications A–Z

Research products from A to Z, compare independent ratings, and find alternatives.

topotecan hydrochloride

New