The basics
Thiotepa (brand name-Tepadina) is an FDA-approved treatment for ovarian cancer (cancer that begins in the female reproductive organs where eggs are formed), breast, and bladder cancer. It is also used to treat malignant effusions (a condition when fluid collects in the lungs or around the heart) that are caused by cancerous tumors.
Thiotepa is in a class of medications called alkylating agents. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in your body.
Let us walk you through key things you need to know about thiotepa.
How should I take thiotepa (Tepadina)?
Thiotepa is injected into a vein by a doctor or nurse in a medical facility. It may also be injected intraperitoneally (into the abdominal cavity), intrapleurally (into the chest cavity), or intrapericardially (into the lining of the heart). The schedule for your treatment depends on your condition and on how you respond to thiotepa.
When used for bladder cancer, thiotepa is infused (injected slowly) into your bladder through a tube or catheter
Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with thiotepa. You can help them by tracking your side effects in Ankr.
What are the side effects of thiotepa (Tepadina)?
Common side effects
- nausea
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- stomach pain
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- blurry vision
- sore or red eyes
- hair loss
- pain in the place where the medication was injected
- hives
- rash
- itching
- fever, sore throat, chills, or other signs of infection
Serious side effects
- dizziness
- headache
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- frequent, urgent, or painful urination
- blood in the urine
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- black and tarry stools
- red blood in stools
- bloody vomit; vomited material that looks like coffee grounds
- nosebleed
Thiotepa may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Use the free Ankr platform or Ankr app to track your symptoms.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before receiving thiotepa (Tepadina)
- tell your doctor about your allergies
- tell your doctor about other intakes
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any disease, symptom, or treatment
- You or your partner should not become pregnant while you are receiving thiotepa. You should use birth control to prevent pregnancy in yourself or your partner during your treatment with thiotepa injection.
While you are on thiotepa (Tepadina)
- if you or your partner become pregnant while taking thiotepa, call your doctor. Thiotepa may harm the fetus.
- tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You should not breast-feed while you are receiving thiotepa.
In case of an emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
- fever, sore throat, chills, or other signs of infection
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- black and tarry stools
- red blood in stools
- bloody vomit; vomited material that looks like coffee grounds
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Brand names
- Tepadina®
- Thioplex®¶
¶This branded product is no longer on the market. Generic alternatives may be available.
Last Revised – 06/25/2023, FDA updated-03/15/2013, SG
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