Pronunciation: THYE oh TEP a

Brand: Thioplex

What is the most important information I should know about thiotepa?


Use birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are receiving thiotepa, whether you are a man or a woman.

What is thiotepa?


Thiotepa is used to treat cancer of the breast, ovary, bladder, and others.

Thiotepa may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving thiotepa?

You should not receive thiotepa if you are allergic to it.

To make sure thiotepa is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • liver or kidney disease;
  • heart disease; or
  • lung problems.

Tell your doctor about all other cancer treatments you have recently received, including chemotherapy and radiation.


Do not use thiotepa if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy during treatment.

Use birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are receiving thiotepa, whether you are a man or a woman. Thiotepa use by either parent may cause birth defects.

It is not known whether thiotepa passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How is thiotepa given?

Thiotepa is injected into a vein through an IV, or injected directly into the bladder or other body cavity. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

When injected into the bladder, you will need to hold the medicine inside your bladder for 2 hours. Tell your caregivers if this causes you a great deal of discomfort. You may need to receive a smaller amount of the medicine to hold it comfortably in your bladder.

If any of this medicine accidentally gets on your skin, wash it thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Thiotepa is usually given once every 1 to 4 weeks. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Thiotepa can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. Your blood will need to be tested often during treatment and for at least 3 weeks after you stop receiving thiotepa. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your thiotepa injection.

What happens if I overdose?


What should I avoid while receiving thiotepa?





What are the possible side effects of thiotepa?


Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • skin lesions;
  • little or no urinating;

Common side effects may include:

  • dizziness, headache, blurred vision;
  • nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
  • feeling weak or tired;
  • eye redness;
  • pain or irritation where the injection was given;
  • hair loss; or
  • missed menstrual periods.


What other drugs will affect thiotepa?


Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about thiotepa.



Copyright 1996-2015 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 6.04. Revision date: 2/19/2015.
