Mithracin Side Effects

Generic name: plicamycin

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 5, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about plicamycin. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Mithracin.

Applies to plicamycin: intravenous powder for injection.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of your throat; difficulty breathing; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives);

• blood in the urine;

• black or tarry stools;

• signs of infection such as fever; chills, or sore throat;

• nose bleed (epistaxis) or vomiting blood (hematemesis); or

• unusual bleeding or bruising.

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite;

• mouth sores;

• drowsiness and extremely deep sleep;

• a general discomfort or uneasiness;

• headache or depression;

• a rash; or

• facial flushing..

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to plicamycin: intravenous powder for injection.

Hematologic

Hematologic effects including a bleeding syndrome which usually begins with an episode of epistaxis, comprise the major form of toxicity associated with the use of plicamycin (the active ingredient contained in Mithracin) Thrombocytopenia which is sometime rapid in onset, may occur at any time during therapy or within several days following the last dose. Depression of platelet count, white count, hemoglobin, and prothrombin time, elevation of clotting and bleeding times, and abnormal clot retraction have been reported. Leukopenia (6%) has been reported. Depression in levels of serum calcium, phosphorus, and potassium have also been reported.^[Ref]

The hemorrhagic syndrome may start with an episode of hematemesis which may progress to more widespread hemorrhage in the gastrointestinal tract or to a more generalized bleeding tendency. This may be due to abnormalities in multiple clotting factors. The hemorrhagic syndrome has been dose related.

If severe thrombocytopenia occurs, infusion of platelet concentrates of platelet-rich plasma may of help in elevating the platelet count.

Laboratory abnormalities have generally been upon discontinuation of therapy.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal effects including anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomatitis are among the most common effects reported with the use of plicamycin (the active ingredient contained in Mithracin) ^[Ref]

General

General effects including fever, weakness, lethargy, malaise, and drowsiness have been reported.^[Ref]

Nervous system

Nervous system effects including headache have been reported.^[Ref]

Psychiatric

Psychiatric effects including depression have been reported.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular effects including phlebitis have been reported. A case has also been reported of multiple arterial occlusive episodes in association the courses of drug therapy.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Dermatologic effects including facial flushing an skin rash have been reported. A case of toxic epidermal necrolysis have also been reported.^[Ref]

Hepatic

Hepatic effects including increased levels of serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, lactic dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, serum bilirubin, ornithine carbamyl transferase, isocitric dehydrogenase, an increased retention of bromsulphalein have been reported.^[Ref]

Laboratory abnormalities have generally been reported to be reversible upon discontinuation of therapy.^[Ref]

Genitourinary

Genitourinary effects including increased blood urea nitrogen, increased serum creatinine, and proteinuria have been reported.^[Ref]

Laboratory abnormalities have generally been reported to be reversible upon discontinuation of therapy.^[Ref]

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

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