Trabectedin

Generic name: trabectedin [ tra-BEK-te-din ]
Brand name: Yondelis
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (1 mg)
Drug class:Alkylating agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 15, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is trabectedin?

Trabectedin is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Trabectedin is used to treat liposarcoma, a rare type of cancer that grows in fatty tissues of the body.

Trabectedin is also used to treat leiomyosarcoma, a rare fast-growing type of cancer that grows in many tissues of the body, including fat, muscle, bone, joints, and blood vessels.

Trabectedin is used to treat cancer that has spread to other parts of the body or cannot be treated with surgery.

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

Warnings

Trabectedin affects your immune system. You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Call your doctor if you have a fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, or trouble breathing.

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with trabectedin if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;

• heart disease; or

• kidney disease.

Trabectedin can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects if the mother or the father is taking trabectedin.

• If you are a woman, do not use trabectedin if you are pregnant. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 2 months after your last dose.

• If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 5 months after your last dose.

• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using trabectedin.

You should not breast-feed while using trabectedin.

How is trabectedin given?

Before you receive a dose of trabectedin, you may need a blood test to check your liver function.

Trabectedin is given as an infusion into a vein, through a central line IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Trabectedin must be given slowly and the infusion can take up to 24 hours to complete.

Trabectedin is usually given once every 3 weeks. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with trabectedin.

You may be given steroid medication to prevent certain side effects of trabectedin.

Tell your caregivers if you feel ...