Healthwise

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Arsenic Trioxide Injection (ARSENIC TRIOXIDE - INJECTION)

For treating cancer.

Brand Name(s): Trisenox

Generic Name: Arsenic Trioxide

Instructions

This medicine is given as an IV injection into a vein.

This medicine should be given by a trained health care provider.

You must be monitored by a health care professional during and after each dose is given.

Tell your doctor if you have severe or persistent sweating, diarrhea or vomiting. These can increase your risk of a serious side effect.

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Your doctor may prescribe other medications to reduce side effects. Follow instructions carefully.

Talk to your doctor before taking other medicines, including aspirins and ibuprofen containing products. Speak to your doctor about which medicines are safe to use while you are on this medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients with weak hearts may have worsening of symptoms. If you notice difficulty breathing, weight gain, or swelling of your legs or ankles, let your doctor know right away.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting, especially after exercising or in hot weather. Be very careful when standing or sitting up quickly.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 2 weeks after stopping treatment.

This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.

Women of childbearing age should have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medicine.

Men should continue using birth control for at least 3 months after finishing this medicine.

Women must use reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • coughing
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • lack of energy and tiredness
  • headaches
  • pain, redness, swelling near injection
  • lightheadedness
  • nausea and vomiting
  • stomach upset or abdominal pain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • decreased appetite
  • change in behavior
  • bleeding or bruising
  • blurry vision
  • bone pain
  • chest pain
  • confusion
  • coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
  • swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
  • nosebleeds
  • fainting
  • fever or chills
  • numbness or tingling in hands and feet
  • fast or irregular heart beats
  • signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
  • signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
  • muscle weakness
  • joint or muscle pain
  • seizures
  • shortness of breath
  • sore throat
  • dark, tarry stool
  • sudden or unexplained weight gain

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

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