arsenic trioxide - injection, Trisenox

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GENERIC NAME: ARSENIC TRIOXIDE - INJECTION (AR-sen-ik try-OX-ide)

BRAND NAME(S): Trisenox

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: Arsenic trioxide is a strong medication that can cause serious, rarely fatal side effects. To decrease your risk, your doctor will monitor you closely during treatment.

Infrequently, this medication may cause a serious condition called APL differentiation syndrome. Tell your doctor immediately if the following effects occur: unusual/unexplained fever, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, and/or weight gain. Your doctor may direct you to weigh yourself regularly and report any sudden weight gain. Your doctor may also perform certain exams or tests (e.g., lung exam, X-rays) to determine if this syndrome has developed.

Infrequently, this medication can also cause serious (rarely fatal) heart problems (e.g., AV block, torsades de pointes-type arrhythmias). Tell your doctor if you have any medical history of heart problems (e.g., fast/irregular heartbeat, heart failure), kidney problems, low levels of minerals in your blood (e.g., calcium, potassium, magnesium). Also tell your doctor if you take any medications that increase your risk for these heart problems or low levels of minerals (see also Drug Interactions section). To decrease your risk, your doctor may order a heart rhythm test (EKG) or blood tests before and during treatment.

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop severe dizziness, fainting, or fast/irregular heartbeat.

USES: Arsenic trioxide is used to treat a type of leukemia (acute promyelocytic leukemia-APL) when other types of treatment (e.g., chemotherapy) have not worked well or no longer work.

HOW TO USE: Learn all preparation, mixing, and usage instructions in the product package. If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Before using, check this medication visually for particles. If particles are present, do not use the liquid. Do not mix arsenic trioxide with other medications.This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional over 1 to 2 hours, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. The injection may be injected more slowly (e.g., over 4 hours) if you have a reaction to the medication such as dizziness, flushing, or fast heartbeat.The dosage and length of treatment is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to treatment. Your doctor will order tests (e.g., EKG, blood minerals) to find the right dose for you. Your next dose may need to be rescheduled if your heartbeat or blood tests are abnormal.Learn how to handle, use, and discard chemotherapy and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.