arsenic trioxide IV

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 arsenic trioxide IV
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.

See also Warning section.
Pain/redness/swelling at the injection site, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach/abdominal pain, tiredness, cough, headache, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Both leukemia and this medication can lower the body\'s ability to fight an infection. Tell your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as unexplained fever, chills, or persistent sore throat.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: easy bleeding/bruising, nosebleed, increased thirst, change in the amount of urine, blurred vision, bone/joint pain, decreased appetite, unusual weight loss, muscle pain/stiffness/spasm, numbness/tingling, swollen hands/legs/feet.
Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, severe dizziness/fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat, coughing up blood, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion), muscle weakness, seizures, bloody/black/tarry stool, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice any other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to arsenic; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially: kidney disease, diabetes.
Arsenic trioxide may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can infrequently result in serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that require immediate medical attention. The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may affect the heart rhythm (see also Drug Interactions section). Before using arsenic trioxide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/\"water pills\") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using arsenic trioxide safely.
This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose.
To lower your risk of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.
This drug should not be used during pregnancy. It may harm the unborn baby. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Talk with your doctor about effective forms of birth control.
This medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Many drugs besides arsenic trioxide may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation), including amiodarone, dofetilide, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), ziprasidone, among others. Therefore, before using arsenic trioxide, report all medications you are currently using to your doctor or pharmacist.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: aspirin and other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), drugs that lower blood minerals (e.g., amphotericin B), drugs that may harm the immune system (e.g., chemotherapy, corticosteroids such as prednisone).
Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin) that may increase your risk of bleeding. Low-dose aspirin should be continued if prescribed by your doctor for heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: seizures, muscle weakness, confusion.

NOTES:
Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., electrolytes, complete blood count, EKG) should be performed while you are using the medication to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE:
For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. Keep all medical/lab appointments. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to establish a new dosing schedule.

STORAGE:
Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic and will not be stored at home.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Information last revised May 2010. Copyright(c) 2010 First Databank, Inc.