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Important: This site presents data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). A report does not mean the drug caused the event. Full disclaimer.

DACTINOMYCIN: 2,858 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

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2,858
Total FAERS Reports
507 (17.7%)
Deaths Reported
721
Hospitalizations
2,858
As Primary/Secondary Suspect
223
Life-Threatening
53
Disabilities
Approved Prior to Jan 1, 1982
FDA Approved
Eugia US LLC
Manufacturer
Discontinued
Status
Yes
Generic Available

Drug Class: Actinomycin [EPC] · Route: INTRAVENOUS · Manufacturer: Eugia US LLC · FDA Application: 050682 · HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · FDA Label: Available

First Report: 1976 · Latest Report: 20250706

What Are the Most Common DACTINOMYCIN Side Effects?

#1 Most Reported
Off label use
391 reports (13.7%)
#2 Most Reported
Febrile neutropenia
226 reports (7.9%)
#3 Most Reported
Neutropenia
205 reports (7.2%)

All DACTINOMYCIN Side Effects by Frequency

Side Effect Reports % of Total Deaths Hosp.
Off label use 391 13.7% 77 63
Febrile neutropenia 226 7.9% 23 144
Neutropenia 205 7.2% 18 67
Product use in unapproved indication 203 7.1% 45 17
Drug ineffective 181 6.3% 59 43
Disease progression 151 5.3% 59 10
Vomiting 119 4.2% 20 54
Anaemia 109 3.8% 5 46
Thrombocytopenia 106 3.7% 5 47
Malignant neoplasm progression 103 3.6% 50 3
Stomatitis 103 3.6% 1 57
Maternal exposure before pregnancy 99 3.5% 1 0
Acute myeloid leukaemia 98 3.4% 63 6
Ovarian failure 92 3.2% 0 1
Drug resistance 87 3.0% 24 12
Myelosuppression 84 2.9% 9 43
Venoocclusive liver disease 83 2.9% 14 21
Bone marrow failure 82 2.9% 10 13
Nausea 81 2.8% 4 30
Second primary malignancy 77 2.7% 47 1

Who Reports DACTINOMYCIN Side Effects? Age & Gender Data

Gender: 65.9% female, 34.1% male. Average age: 18.8 years. Most reports from: US. View detailed demographics →

Is DACTINOMYCIN Getting Safer? Reports by Year

YearReportsDeathsHosp.
2003 1 0 0
2004 1 0 1
2005 2 0 1
2007 2 0 0
2008 7 3 3
2009 12 2 3
2010 20 2 8
2011 14 7 5
2012 16 0 11
2013 11 1 9
2014 28 2 11
2015 21 0 13
2016 55 4 27
2017 80 11 20
2018 88 0 52
2019 79 3 62
2020 80 6 50
2021 42 0 24
2022 35 5 20
2023 56 4 31
2024 49 3 33
2025 21 1 15

View full timeline →

What Is DACTINOMYCIN Used For?

IndicationReports
Gestational trophoblastic tumour 360
Ewing's sarcoma 282
Nephroblastoma 278
Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma 271
Rhabdomyosarcoma 220
Choriocarcinoma 210
Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma 134
Product used for unknown indication 95
Chemotherapy 89
Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumour of cns 61

DACTINOMYCIN vs Alternatives: Which Is Safer?

DACTINOMYCIN vs DALBAVANCIN DACTINOMYCIN vs DALFAMPRIDINE DACTINOMYCIN vs DALTEPARIN DACTINOMYCIN vs DAMOCTOCOG ALFA PEGOL DACTINOMYCIN vs DANAPAROID DACTINOMYCIN vs DANAZOL DACTINOMYCIN vs DANICOPAN DACTINOMYCIN vs DANTROLENE DACTINOMYCIN vs DAPAGLIFLOZIN DACTINOMYCIN vs DAPAGLIFLOZIN PROPANEDIOL

Official FDA Label for DACTINOMYCIN

Official prescribing information from the FDA-approved drug label.

Drug Description

Dactinomycin is an actinomycin. Dactinomycin is produced by Streptomyces parvullus . The chemical name is 8-amino-N-(2-amino-4,6-dimethyl-3-oxo-phenoxazin-1-yl)carbonyl-N'-[8-amino-4,6-dimethyl-7-oxo-9-[[3,6,10-trimethyl-7,14-bis(1-methylethyl)-2,5,8,12,15-pentaoxo-9-oxa-3,6,13,16-tetrazabicyclo[14.3.0]nonadec-11-yl]carbamoyl]phenoxazin-1-yl]carbonyl-4,6-dimethyl-7-oxo-N,N'-bis[3,6,10-trimethyl-7,14-bis(1-methylethyl)-2,5,8,12,15-pentaoxo-9-oxa-3,6,13,16 tetrazabicyclo[14.3.0]nonadec-11-yl]-1,9-bis[[3,6,10-trimethyl-7,14-bis(1-methylethyl)-2,5,8,12,15-pentaoxo-9-oxa-3,6,13,16-tetrazabicyclo[14.3.0] nonadec-11-yl]carbamoyl]phenoxazine-1,9-dicarboxamide. The molecular formula is C 62 H 86 N 12 O 16 and the molecular weight is 1255.42 daltons. The structural formula of dactinomycin is shown below: Dactinomycin for Injection, USP for intravenous use is a sterile, amorphous yellow to orange, lyophilized powder in a single-dose vial. Each vial contains 500 mcg of dactinomycin and 20 mg of mannitol.

Structural

Formula of Dactinomycin

FDA Approved Uses (Indications)

AND USAGE Dactinomycin for injection is an actinomycin indicated for the treatment of: adult and pediatric patients with Wilms tumor, as part of a multi-phase, combination chemotherapy regimen. ( 1.1 ) adult and pediatric patients with rhabdomyosarcoma, as part of a multi-phase, combination chemotherapy regimen. ( 1.2 ) adult and pediatric patients with Ewing sarcoma, as part of a multi-phase, combination chemotherapy regimen. ( 1.3 ) adult and pediatric patients with metastatic, nonseminomatous testicular cancer, as part of a multi-phase, combination chemotherapy regimen. ( 1.4 ) post-menarchal patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, as a single agent or as part of a combination chemotherapy regimen. ( 1.5 ) adult patients with locally recurrent or locoregional solid malignancies, as a component of palliative or adjunctive regional perfusion. ( 1.6 )

1.1 Wilms Tumor Dactinomycin for injection is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with Wilms tumor, as part of a multi-phase, combination chemotherapy regimen.

1.2 Rhabdomyosarcoma Dactinomycin for injection is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with rhabdomyosarcoma, as part of a multi-phase, combination chemotherapy regimen.

1.3 Ewing Sarcoma Dactinomycin for injection is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with Ewing sarcoma, as part of a multi-phase, combination chemotherapy regimen.

1.4 Metastatic Nonseminomatous Testicular Cancer Dactinomycin for injection is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with metastatic, nonseminomatous testicular cancer, as part of a multi-phase, combination chemotherapy regimen.

1.5 Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia Dactinomycin for injection is indicated for the treatment of post-menarchal patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, as a single agent or as part of a combination chemotherapy regimen.

1.6 Regional Perfusion in Locally Recurrent and Locoregional Solid Malignancies Dactinomycin for injection is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally recurrent or locoregional solid malignancies, as a component of palliative or adjunctive regional perfusion.

Dosage & Administration

AND ADMINISTRATION Wilms Tumor: The recommended dose is 45 mcg/kg intravenously once every 3 to 6 weeks for up to 26 weeks, as part of a multi-agent combination chemotherapy regimen. ( 2.1 ) Rhabdomyosarcoma: The recommended dose is 15 mcg/kg intravenously once daily for 5 days every 3 to 9 weeks for up to 112 weeks, as part of a multi-agent combination chemotherapy regimen. ( 2.2 )

Ewing

Sarcoma: The recommended dose is 1250 mcg/m 2 intravenously once every 3 weeks for 51 weeks, as part of a multi-agent combination chemotherapy regimen. ( 2.3 )

Metastatic Nonseminomatous Testicular

Cancer: The recommended dose is 1000 mcg/m 2 intravenously every 3 weeks, as part of cisplatin-based, multi-drug chemotherapy regimen. ( 2.4 )

Gestational Trophoblastic

Neoplasia: o Non-metastatic and Low-risk Metastatic Disease: The recommended dose is 12 mcg/kg intravenously daily for 5 days, as a single agent. ( 2.5 ) o High-risk Metastatic Disease: The recommended dose is 500 mcg intravenously on Days 1 and 2 every 2 weeks for up to 8 weeks, as part of a multi-agent combination chemotherapy regimen. ( 2.5 )

Regional

Perfusion in Locally Recurrent and Locoregional Solid Malignancies: o Lower Extremity or Pelvis: The recommend dose is 50 mcg/kg once with melphalan. ( 2.6 ) o Upper Extremity: The recommended dose is 35 mcg/kg once with melphalan. ( 2.6 )

2.1 Recommended Dosage for Wilms Tumor The recommended dose of dactinomycin for injection, as part of a multi-agent combination chemotherapy regimen, is 45 mcg/kg intravenously once every 3 to 6 weeks for up to 26 weeks.

2.2 Recommended Dosage for Rhabdomyosarcoma The recommended dose of dactinomycin for injection, as part of a multi-agent combination chemotherapy regimen, is 15 mcg/kg intravenously once daily for 5 days every 3 to 9 weeks for up to 112 weeks.

2.3 Recommended Dosage for Ewing Sarcoma The recommended dose of dactinomycin for injection, as part of a multi-agent combination chemotherapy regimen, is 1,250 mcg/m 2 intravenously once every 3 weeks for 51 weeks.

2.4 Recommended Dosage for Metastatic Nonseminomatous Testicular Cancer The recommended dose of dactinomycin for injection, as part of a cisplatin-based, multi-agent combination chemotherapy regimen, is 1,000 mcg/m 2 intravenously once every 3 weeks for 12 weeks.

2.5 Recommended Dosage for Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia The recommended dose of dactinomycin for injection for nonmetastatic and low-risk metastatic disease is 12 mcg/kg intravenously daily for five days as a single agent. The recommended dose of dactinomycin for injection, as part of a multi-agent combination chemotherapy regimen, for high-risk metastatic disease is 500 mcg intravenously on Days 1 and 2 every 2 weeks for up to 8 weeks.

2.6 Recommended Dosage for Regional Perfusion in Locally Recurrent and Locoregional Solid Malignancies The recommended dose of dactinomycin for injection, in combination with melphalan, is 50 mcg/kg once for lower extremity or pelvis. The recommended dose of dactinomycin for injection, in combination with melphalan, is 35 mcg/kg once for upper extremity. Calculate the dose for obese or edematous patients based on ideal body weight.

2.7 Preparation and Administration o Dactinomycin for injection is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures. 1 o Visually inspect the vials for particulate matter and discoloration, whenever solution and container permit. Preparation

  • Reconstitute each vial by adding 1.1 mL of Sterile Water for Injection without preservative using aseptic techniques.
  • The reconstituted product should be a clear, gold-colored solution at a concentration of 500 mcg/mL.
  • Further dilute the reconstituted product with 5% Dextrose Injection or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection to yield concentrations greater than 10 mcg/mL.
  • Store at room temperature for no more than 4 hours from reconstitution to completion of injection or infusion. Discard after 4 hours.
  • Dactinomycin for injection does not contain a preservative. Discard any unused portions. Administration
  • Administer the diluted reconstituted product intravenously over 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Do not use in-line filters with a cellulose ester membrane. Management of Extravasation
  • Discontinue dactinomycin for injection for burning or stinging sensation or other evidence indicating perivenous infiltration or extravasation.
  • Manage confirmed or suspected extravasation as follows: o Terminate the injection or infusion immediately and restart in another vein. o Intermittent application of ice to the site for 15 minutes 4 times daily for 3 days [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ].

Contraindications

None. None. ( 4 )

Known Adverse Reactions

REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Secondary Malignancy and Leukemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Veno-occlusive Disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Extravasation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Immunizations [see Warning and Precautions ( 5.5 )]

Severe Mucocutaneous

Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )]

Renal

Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Potentiation of Radiation Toxicity and Radiation Recall [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Common adverse reactions are: infection, alopecia, rash, dysphagia, fatigue, fever, nausea, vomiting, anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, mucositis, and hepatotoxicity. The following adverse reactions have been identified in clinical studies or postmarketing reports. Because some of these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Infections: infections including sepsis with fatal outcome Hematologic : anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, reticulocytopenia, neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, disseminated intravascular coagulation Immune system: hypersensitivity Metabolism and nutrition: anorexia, hypocalcemia, tumor lysis syndrome Nervous system: peripheral neuropathy Ocular: optic neuropathy Vascular: thrombophlebitis, hemorrhage Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal: pneumonitis, pneumothorax Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, gastrointestinal ulceration, cheilitis, dysphagia, esophagitis, ulcerative stomatitis, ascites, proctitis, mucositis Hepatobiliary: liver function test abnormalities, hepatomegaly, hepatitis, hepatic failure with reports of death, hepatic veno-occlusive disease Dermatologic: alopecia, rash, dermatitis, acne, erythema multiforme, Stevens Johnson Syndrome, radiation recall, toxic epidermal necrolysis Musculoskeletal and connective tissue: myalgia, growth retardation Renal and urinary: renal impairment, renal failure General: fatigue, fever, malaise Common adverse reactions are: infection, alopecia, rash, dysphagia, fatigue, fever, nausea, vomiting, anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, mucositis, and hepatotoxicity ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Hisun Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc., at 1-855-554-4786 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Warnings

AND PRECAUTIONS Secondary Malignancy or Leukemia: Increased risk of secondary malignancies following treatment. ( 5.1 ) Veno-occlusive Disease: Can cause severe or fatal VOD. Monitor for elevations in AST, ALT, total bilirubin, hepatomegaly, weight gain, or ascites. Consider delaying next dose. ( 5.2 ) Extravasation: Immediately interrupt the injection or infusion and apply ice. ( 2.7 , 5.3 ) Myelosuppression: Monitor blood cell counts before each cycle. Delay next dose if severe myelosuppression has not improved. ( 5.4 ) Immunizations: Vaccination with live viral vaccines is not recommended before or during treatment. ( 5.5 )

Severe Mucocutaneous

Reactions: Discontinue treatment ( 5.6 )

Renal

Toxicity: Monitor creatinine and electrolytes frequently. ( 5.7 ) Hepatotoxicity: Monitor transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin prior to and during treatment. ( 5.8 ) Potentiation of Radiation Toxicity and Radiation Recall: Reduce dose by 50% during concomitant radiation. Use caution when administering within two months of radiation. ( 5.9 ) Embryo-fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise patients of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception. ( 5.10 , 8.1 , 8.3 )

5.1 Secondary Malignancy or Leukemia The risk of developing secondary malignancies, including leukemia, is increased following treatment with dactinomycin for injection.

5.2 Veno-occlusive Disease Severe and fatal hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) can occur with dactinomycin for injection. Risk factors for the development of VOD include age younger than 4 years or concomitant radiotherapy. After treatment with dactinomycin for injection, monitor frequently for signs and symptoms of VOD; these include elevations in AST, ALT, total bilirubin, hepatomegaly, weight gain, or ascites. If patients develop VOD, considering delaying next dose of dactinomycin for injection. Resume, reduce dose or permanently discontinue based on severity of reaction and disease being treated.

5.3 Extravasation Extravasation of dactinomycin for injection can result in severe local tissue injury manifesting as blistering, ulcerations and persistent pain requiring wide excision surgery followed by split-thickness skin grafting. If any signs or symptoms of extravasation occur, immediately interrupt the injection or infusion. Apply ice to the site intermittently for 15 minutes, 4 times a day for 3 days <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration ( 2.7 )]</span> . Observe closely and consult plastic surgery if necessary based on severity of reaction.

5.4 Myelosuppression Severe and fatal myelosuppression, which may include neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia, can occur with dactinomycin for injection. The nadir in neutrophil counts generally occurs 14 to 21 days after administration. Obtain complete blood counts prior to each treatment cycle. Delay next dose of dactinomycin for injection if severe myelosuppression has not improved. Consider dose reduction for patients with prolonged myelosuppression based on severity of reaction and disease being treated.

5.5 Immunizations The safety with live viral vaccines following dactinomycin for injection has not been studied and vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended before or during treatment.

5.6 Severe Mucocutaneous Reactions Severe mucocutaneous reactions, such as Steven-Johnson syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), can occur with dactinomycin for injection. Permanently discontinue dactinomycin for injection in patients who experience a severe mucocutaneous reaction.

5.7 Renal Toxicity Abnormalities of renal function can occur with dactinomycin for injection. Monitor creatinine and electrolytes frequently during dactinomycin for injection therapy.

5.8 Hepatotoxicity Hepatotoxicity can occur with dactinomycin for injection. Monitor AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin prior to and during dactinomycin for injection therapy.

5.9 Potentiation of Radiation Toxicity and Radiation Recall Dactinomycin for injection can increase radiation-induced gastrointestinal toxicity, myelosuppression, or erythema and vesiculation of the skin or buccal and pharyngeal mucosa. Reduce the dose of dactinomycin for injection by 50% during concomitant radiation. Radiation recall, affecting previously treated radiation fields, can occur in patients who receive dactinomycin for injection after prior radiation therapy. Although the risk can occur with distant radiation exposure, the risk appears highest when dactinomycin for injection is administered within two months of prior radiation.

5.10 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, dactinomycin for injection can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In animal reproduction studies, administration of dactinomycin to pregnant animals during the period of organogenesis was teratogenic, resulting in malformations at doses lower than the recommended human dose. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with dactinomycin for injection and for at least 6 months after the final dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with dactinomycin for injection and for 3 months after the final dose <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 , 8.3 )]</span> .