Arsenox Injection
Arsenox Injection is given as an injection into veins under the supervision of a doctor, with regular monitoring of blood pressure. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.
Arsenox Injection
Basic Information
Important information about this medicine
About This Medicine
General information about this product
Arsenox Injection is used in the treatment of leukemia(cancer of white blood cells). It is used for patients with leukemia who have not responded to other therapies. It is used alone or in combination with other medicine as first line therapy.
Arsenox Injection is given as an injection into veins under the supervision of a doctor, with regular monitoring of blood pressure. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.
The most common side effects of this medicine include nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, rash, and fatigue. It might cause increased blood glucose level, inform your doctor if you experience extreme thirst, hunger or frequent urination and blurred vision. Regular blood tests are required to monitor your blood calcium, potassium, and creatinine, before and during treatment with this medicine. You will also be monitored for ECG before and during the treatment.
Before taking it, tell your doctor if have heart problem, liver, or kidney problems or are taking any medicines to treat infections. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your doctor know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The use of effective contraception by both males and females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy.
03Uses
Blood cancer (Acute lymphocytic leukemia)
04How To Use
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
05How It Works
Arsenic trioxide belongs to a category of drugs called as anti-neoplastics. It acts by causing changes in the DNA of abnormal cells, thus causing cell death and preventing the spread of cancer..
06Benefits
In Blood cancer (Acute lymphocytic leukemia)
Blood cancer, also called leukemia, is a cancer of the blood-forming tissues, that decreases the body’s ability to fight infection. Arsenox Injection kills or stops the growth of cancer cells and also prevents the multiplication of cancer cells. It is a potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
07Side Effects
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Itching
Fatigue
Diarrhea
Fever
Increased glucose level in blood
Increased liver enzymes
Injection site pain
Dizziness
Paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation)
Decreased potassium level in blood
Rash
Increased heart rate
Vomiting
Nausea
Breathlessness
08Safety Information
Alcohol:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Arsenox Injection. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Arsenox Injection is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Information regarding the use of Arsenox Injection during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.
Driving:SAFE
Arsenox Injection does not usually affect your ability to drive.
Kidney:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
There is limited information available on the use of Arsenox Injection in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.
Liver:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
There is limited information available on the use of Arsenox Injection in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.
09Drug Tips
Arsenox Injection is given as an injection into the veins with continuous monitoring of blood pressure.
You may be monitored with ECG before and after starting the treatment.
Use an effective method of birth control to avoid pregnancy while taking this medication.
You may need regular blood tests to monitor the levels of calcium, potassium, and creatinine in the blood.
References
Sources and references
Chabner BA, Bertino J, Cleary J, et al. Cytotoxic Agents. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. p. 1723.
Chu E, Sartorelli AC. Cancer Chemotherapy. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. p. 956.
Arsenic trioxide. Harlow, Essex: Teva Pharma B.V.; 2002 . view
Drugs.com. Arsenic trioxide Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings. view
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation . view
