What Is Hycamtin? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

If you or a loved one has been prescribed Hycamtin, or if you've seen the name in medical records and want to understand more, this guide covers everything you need to know: what Hycamtin is, what it treats, how it's given, what dosages are used, and what the treatment process looks like.

What Is Hycamtin?

Hycamtin is the brand name for

topotecan hydrochloride, a prescription chemotherapy medication. It was first approved by the FDA in 1996 and belongs to a class of drugs called

topoisomerase I inhibitors. These drugs work by interfering with an enzyme that cancer cells need to copy their DNA. Without this process working properly, cancer cells cannot divide and they die. Hycamtin is derived from camptothecin, a natural compound originally extracted from the bark of the Camptotheca acuminata tree — sometimes called the "Happy Tree."

Today, generic topotecan is manufactured by several pharmaceutical companies including Mylan, Teva, and Sun Pharmaceutical. Brand-name Hycamtin is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.

What Is Hycamtin Used to Treat?

Hycamtin is FDA-approved for three cancer indications:

Metastatic ovarian cancer — used as a single agent in patients whose ovarian cancer has progressed after at least one prior chemotherapy regimen. It's typically a second- or third-line treatment.

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) — relapsed, platinum-sensitive disease — used for SCLC that came back at least 60 days after completing first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. Both IV and oral forms are approved for this indication.

Stage IV-B, recurrent, or persistent cervical cancer — used in combination with cisplatin for advanced cervical cancer that cannot be treated with surgery or radiation.

What Forms Does Hycamtin Come In?

Hycamtin comes in two forms:

Intravenous (IV) injection: 4 mg lyophilized powder single-dose vials, reconstituted and administered by a healthcare provider through an IV line. Given over 30 minutes in a clinic or hospital infusion center.

Oral capsules: 0.25 mg (white/yellowish-white) and 1 mg (pink) capsules. These are swallowed whole — do not open, chew, or dissolve. Stored in the refrigerator at 36–46°F. Available for SCLC only.

What Are the Standard Hycamtin Doses?

Hycamtin is dosed based on body surface area (BSA — calculated from height and weight). Your oncologist will calculate your specific dose. Standard doses include:

IV (ovarian cancer or SCLC): 1.5 mg/m² IV over 30 minutes once daily for 5 consecutive days, repeated every 21 days

IV (cervical cancer + cisplatin): 0.75 mg/m² IV days 1–3 of a 21-day cycle, combined with cisplatin 50 mg/m² on day 1

Oral (SCLC only): 2.3 mg/m²/day orally once daily for 5 consecutive days, every 21 days

Doses are adjusted down for low blood counts (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia) or impaired kidney function. Never adjust your own dose — always follow your oncologist's instructions.

What Does Treatment With Hycamtin Look Like?

For patients receiving IV Hycamtin: You will go to an infusion center on days 1 through 5 of each 21-day cycle. Each infusion takes about 30 minutes. Before each new cycle, your oncologist will review blood count results to confirm it is safe to proceed. Treatment continues until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

For patients receiving oral Hycamtin: You take capsules at home, once daily for 5 consecutive days per cycle. Keep them refrigerated. Take at the same time each day. If you vomit after a dose, do not take another dose that day — wait for the next scheduled dose.

Is Hycamtin a Controlled Substance?

No. Hycamtin (topotecan) is not a DEA-scheduled controlled substance. It is a prescription chemotherapy drug, but it does not fall under the Controlled Substances Act. However, it requires specialized handling and dispensing by trained healthcare professionals due to its cytotoxic nature.

Where Can You Get Hycamtin?

Hycamtin IV is administered at hospital infusion centers and oncology clinics. Hycamtin oral capsules must be dispensed at specialty pharmacies — not standard retail pharmacies. If you need help finding a pharmacy near you that stocks topotecan, medfinder calls pharmacies near you to check availability.

To learn more about how Hycamtin works at the cellular level, read our guide How Does Hycamtin Work? Mechanism of Action Explained.