What is Cosmegen? Uses, warnings & side effects

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Apr 11, 2021

Cosmegen overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Cosmegen, DACTINomycin Novaplus

Generic Names:

  • Dactinomycin

Uses:

  • Treats cancer.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antibiotic

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Cosmegen used for?

Cosmegen is used to treat certain cancerous conditions including osteosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, carcinomas and Wilms' tumor. Cosmegen works by reducing the growth of cancer cells within the body to prevent the cancer from spreading.

What form(s) does Cosmegen come in?

  • Injectable

What are common Cosmegen dosages?

  • Solution Reconstituted 0.5MG

Cosmegen images - What does Cosmegen look like?

  • Cosmegen
    0.5mg solution reconstituted

How to take Cosmegen

  • Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.

  • Injection routeYou will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

  • Tell your doctor right away if you get this medicine into your eyes or on your skin. This medicine can be very harmful if it touches these areas or if it leaks out of the injection site. Wash your eyes with water, saline, or an irrigating eye solution for at least 15 minutes. Wash the affected skin area with water or apply ice for at least 15 minutes.

  • Missed dose: Injection routeThis medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

What to do if you miss a dose of Cosmegen

Cosmegen contraindications - Who shouldn't take Cosmegen?

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to dactinomycin, or if you are pregnant.

Cosmegen warnings

  • Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine and for 14 days after your last dose.

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or any type of infection. Tell your doctor if you have been treated with radiation.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems: Increased risk of other cancer (including leukemia)Liver problemsSerious skin reactionsKidney problems

  • Injection routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

  • This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

  • Injection routeCancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.

  • Injection routeThis medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Male patients with female partners should use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Cosmegen interactions & what to avoid when taking Cosmegen

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

  • Oral routeCancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.

  • Do not receive this medicine within 2 months of a previous radiation treatment.

  • This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems: Liver problemsHigher risk of leukemia or other tumors

Cosmegen side effects - How does Cosmegen make you feel?

Serious Side Effects

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash

  • Burning, pain, redness, swelling, blistering, or skin changes where the needle is placed

  • Change in the amount or frequency of urination

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

  • Swelling, painful sores, or white patches in your mouth or throat

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Diarrhea, mild nausea or vomiting

  • Trouble swallowing

  • Hair loss

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