Uses of Arsenic Trioxide Injection
Arsenic trioxide injection is used in combination with tretinoin to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL; a type of cancer in which there are too many immature blood cells in the blood and bone marrow) in certain people as a first treatment. It is also used to treat APL in certain people who have not been helped by other types of chemotherapy or whose condition has improved but then worsened following treatment with a retinoid and other types of chemotherapy treatment(s). Arsenic trioxide is in a class of medications called anti-neoplastics. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
Side Effects of Arsenic Trioxide Injection
Arsenic trioxide injection may cause an increase in your blood sugar. Call your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar):
- extreme thirst
- frequent urination
- extreme hunger
- weakness
- blurred vision
If high blood sugar is not treated, a serious, life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis could develop. Get medical care immediately if you have any of these symptoms:
- dry mouth
- nausea and vomiting
- shortness of breath
- breath that smells fruity
- decreased consciousness
Arsenic trioxide injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- excessive tiredness
- dizziness
- headache
- diarrhea
- swelling of the arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- rash
- itching
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- vomit that is bloody or that looks like coffee grounds
- stool that is black and tarry or contains bright red blood
- decreased urination
- hives
Arsenic trioxide injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before receiving arsenic trioxide injection:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to arsenic trioxide, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in arsenic trioxide injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or if you plan to father a child. If you are female, you will need to take a pregnancy test before starting treatment and use birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment and for at least 6 months after your final dose. If you are male, you and your female partner should use effective birth control while you are receiving arsenic trioxide injection and for 3 months after the final dose. If you or your partner becomes pregnant while using this medication, call your doctor. Talk to your doctor about using birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment with arsenic trioxide. Arsenic trioxide injection may harm the fetus.
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor will probably tell you not to breastfeed during your treatment and for 2 weeks after your final dose.
- you should know that this medication may decrease fertility in men. Talk to your doctor about the risks of receiving arsenic trioxide injection.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are receiving arsenic trioxide.
Dosage
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about arsenic trioxide injection.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information on arsenic trioxide injection has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
