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Actinomycin-D Side Effects

Actinomycin-D is the brand name for an anti-cancer chemotherapy drug. It is cytotoxic and antineoplastic, and is an alkylating agent, which is a kind of chemical compound that is reactive. It treats conditions including germ cell tumors, soft tissue sarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, melanoma, choriocarcinoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, neuroblastoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, and various others. Some side effects of this anti-cancer drug can occur.

  1. Low Blood Counts

    • One of the most common side effects of Actinomycin-D is low blood counts (for a short period of time, as well as decrease of platelets and white and red blood cell count, which could lead to having a higher risk of anemia, infection and bleeding.

    Common Side Effects

    • Other common side effects of this anti-cancer drug include mouth sores, hair loss, diarrhea, sunlight sensitivity, nausea, throwing up, and skin-related problems (like the skin peeling, redness, and follicular acne). Some of these side effects occur quickly after taking Actinomycin-D, such as nausea and throwing up (which can happen hours after taking the drug).

    Less Common Side Effects

    • Various less common side effects of Actinomycin D can occur. These side effects are problems with the liver (like elevated levels of liver enzymes and hepatotoxicity, which is a medical condition characterized by damage done to the liver due to chemicals), fertility loss (lowered chances of being able to conceive), skin darkening, appetite loss, and exhaustion. If you experience any of these side effects, notify your doctor about them immediately. Some of these side effects can be serious (such as fertility loss and elevated liver enzymes).

    Medical Attention

    • The following side effects of Actinomycin-D call for medical assistance. They may or may not be harmful. They include extreme exhaustion, dark-colored or tar-like stools, extreme skin rash (with itching and peeling), yellowing of the skin or the eyes (also known as jaundice), swelling, pain, or redness where the medication was injected, swelling of the abdomen, pale-colored stools, tea-colored urine, and abnormal bruising or bleeding.

    Later Side Effects

    • Delayed side effects of this anti-cancer medicine can also occur. Secondary cancer can develop months or years after taking Actinomycin-D. Individuals are advised to speak to their doctors about the potential for secondary cancer.

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