Where is Streptozocin used?

Streptozocin is a type of medicine called antineoplastic or also called cytotoxic. This is used for the treatment of islet cell cancer of the pancreas and carcinoid tumor and syndrome. This is a prescription already approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

How does Streptozocin work?

The normal cells stop separating when they come into interaction with other cells. Cancer cells no longer have the normal checks and balances in place that control and limit cell division. The progression of cell division is through the cell cycle whether normal or cancerous cells. The cycle of the cell goes from the relaxing phase, overactive increasing phases, and then to mitosis. The skill of chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells rest on its capacity to stop cell division. 

Generally, this medicine works by damaging the DNA or RNA that tells the cell how to duplicate itself in the division. If the cells are incapable to divide, they perish. The sooner the cells are separating, the more likely it is that the treatment will destroy the cell which causes the tumor to shrink.

How is Streptozocin taken?

Streptozocin is injected into a vein through an IV. This medicine comes as a powder to be mixed with liquid. It may be injected once a day for 5 days in a row every 6 weeks or it may be injected once a week. The length of treatment depends on how well your body responds to treatment with this prescription. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose or delay your treatment if you experience certain side effects. You need to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with Streptozocin injection.

This drug can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood clot. The treatment of your cancer may be delayed based on the results of these tests. As this medicine is given by professional healthcare in a medical setting, an overdose is not likely to happen. If you miss an appointment, contact your doctor for instructions for your Streptozocin injection.

What are the precautions in using Streptozocin?

• Before starting treatment with Streptozocin, make sure you tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbal remedies. Do not take aspirin or a product that contains aspirin unless your doctor specifically permits this.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or may be pregnant before starting this treatment. 
• Do not breastfeed while taking this medication.
• You will be checked regularly by your health care professional while you are taking Streptozocin. It is to monitor side effects and check your response to therapy. Periodic blood work to monitor your complete blood count, as well as the function of other organs, will also be ordered by your doctor.
• Don’t have immunizations with live vaccines while you’re having treatment and for up to 12 months afterward. The length of time depends on the treatment you are having. Ask your doctor how long you should avoid live vaccinations.
• You should not forget to inform your doctor if you have any allergies or if you are allergic to this drug.