Actinomycin D (also known as dactinomycin) is a chemotherapy medicine which is used to treat certain types of cancer.
How is actinomycin D given?
It is given as an injection into a vein (intravenously or IV) through a
cannula,
central venous catheter or
implantable port.
What are the side effects of actinomycin D?
Nausea and vomiting
Anti-sickness drugs can be given to reduce or prevent these symptoms. Please tell your doctor or nurse if your child’s sickness is not controlled or persists.
Mouth sores and ulcers
You will be given advice about appropriate
mouth care including a copy of our mouth care leaflet. If your child complains about having a sore mouth, please tell your doctor or nurse.
Bone marrow suppression
There will be a temporary reduction in how well your child’s bone marrow works. This means that he or she may become anaemic, bruise or bleed more easily than usual, and have a higher risk of infection. Your child’s blood count will be checked regularly to see how the bone marrow is working. Please tell your doctor if your child seems unusually tired, has bruising or bleeding or any signs of infection, especially a high temperature.
Hair loss
Your child may lose all their hair or it may become thinner. This is temporary and the hair will grow back once the treatment has finished.
Diarrhoea or stomach pain
Please tell your doctor or nurse if your child has diarrhoea or stomach pain which is not controlled or persists. It is important that your child drinks lots of fluids.
Inflammatory skin reaction
Sometimes actinomycin D may cause your child’s skin to become red and sore in the areas which have recently been treated with radiotherapy.
Changes in liver function
Actinomycin D may change how well your child’s liver works. These changes may happen rapidly. Blood tests will be taken to monitor your child’s liver function during treatment (LFTs). Please discuss this with your doctor.
Actinomycin D and interactions with other medicines
Some medicines can react with actinomycin D, altering how well it works. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving your child any other medicine, including medicines on prescription from your family doctor (GP), medicines bought from a pharmacy (chemist) or any herbal or complementary medicines.
Important information you should know about actinomycin D
- If actinomycin D leaks into the tissues underneath your child’s skin, it can damage the tissue in this area.
- If this drug is given through a cannula, and your child complains of stinging and burning around the cannula, please tell your doctor or nurse immediately.
If this drug is given through a central venous catheter or implantable port and your child complains of pain around their chest or neck, please tell your doctor or nurse immediately.
Last reviewed by Great Ormond Street Hospital: May 2013
Ref: 2013F0633 May 2013
Compiled by the Pharmacy department in collaboration with the Child and Family Information Group.
Please read this information in conjunction with any patient information leaflet provided by the manufacturer. However, please note that this information explains about the use of medicines in children and young people so may differ from the manufacturer’s information.
Each person reacts differently to medicines so your child will not necessarily suffer every side effect mentioned. This information does not constitute health or medical advice and will not necessarily reflect treatment at other hospitals. If you have any questions, please ask your doctor. No liability can be taken as a result of using this information.
