This medication may cause serious side effects (e.g., kidney damage, severe nausea/vomiting), which may require your treatment with this medication to be stopped. Tell your doctor promptly if you notice symptoms such as unusually decreased/stopped urination. Before starting treatment with this medication, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Streptozocin is used to treat cancer of the pancreas and other cancers. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

This medication is given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to treatment.

Read and learn all preparation and usage instructions supplied by the manufacturer. Follow all instructions for proper handling and mixing with the correct IV fluids. Before using, check the product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.

If this medication touches your skin, immediately wash the area well with soap and water. If this medication gets in your eye, open the eyelids and flush with water for 15 minutes, then seek immediate medical attention.

Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist for details.

Drink plenty of fluids while using this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Doing so may help decrease the risk of side effects (e.g., kidney problems).

See also Warning section.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach/abdominal pain, or redness/pain/swelling at the injection site may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Eating several small meals, not eating before treatment, or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may infrequently result in a loss of too much body water (dehydration). Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any symptoms of dehydration such as unusual decreased urination, unusual dry mouth/increased thirst, lack of tears, dizziness/lightheadedness, or pale/wrinkled skin.

Many people using this medication have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unusual bleeding/bruising, signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent sore throat), symptoms of liver disease (e.g., persistent nausea/vomiting, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin), mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, depression), unusual weakness.

This medication may infrequently cause low blood sugar levels. Tell your doctor promptly if you notice symptoms of low blood sugar such as nervousness, shakiness, fast heartbeat, sweating, and unusual hunger.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before receiving streptozocin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.

Before using streptozocin, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, radiation treatment.

Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose. Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections.

To lower your risk of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.

This drug may infrequently cause mental/mood changes. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. To avoid pregnancy, both males and females using this drug should use reliable form(s) of birth control (e.g., birth control pills, condoms) during treatment. Consult your doctor for details and to discuss effective forms of birth control.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other anti-cancer drugs (e.g., doxorubicin, carmustine), other drugs that may affect the kidneys (e.g., cyclosporine, aminoglycoside antibiotics such as gentamicin/tobramycin, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen), phenytoin.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., complete blood counts, kidney/liver function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store the unmixed vials in the original package in a refrigerator between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) away from light. After mixing, store at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If stored at room temperature, use/discard mixed solution within 48 hours. If stored in the refrigerator, use/discard mixed solution within 96 hours.

Do not freeze. Consult the package instructions or your pharmacist for other storage details. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Information last revised April 2009 Copyright(c) 2009 First DataBank, Inc.