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MD (Pharmacology), MBBS
Last updated
04 Feb 2022 | 06:54 PM (IST)

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Arsenox Injection

Prescription Required

Product introduction

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.

Uses of Arsenox Injection

  • Blood cancer (Acute lymphocytic leukemia)

Benefits of Arsenox Injection

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.

Side effects of Arsenox Injection

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

Common side effects of Arsenox

  • Breathlessness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Increased heart rate
  • Rash
  • Decreased potassium level in blood
  • Paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation)
  • Dizziness
  • Injection site pain
  • Increased liver enzymes
  • Increased glucose level in blood
  • Fever
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Itching

How to use Arsenox Injection

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

How Arsenox Injection 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.
.

Safety advice

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.

All substitutes

For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
No substitutes found for this medicine

Quick 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.

Fact Box

Chemical Class
Metalloid Oxides
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
ANTI NEOPLASTICS
Action Class
Anticancer-others

Patient concerns

arrow
I want to know about Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia CNS Relapse protocol followed by standard doctors.
Dr. Vijay Sharnangat
Medical Oncology and Hematology
What you want know
Features suggestive of acute myeloid leukemia Is this disease is curable if no than how much time did the patient have with & without treatment
Dr. Sanjay Singh Rai
Medical Oncology and Hematology
Less chances of cureHowever treatment is possible
arrow

FAQs

Are there any serious side effects of Arsenox Injection?

Arsenox Injection can cause a condition called differentiation syndrome, which affects blood cells and can be fatal if not treated. This condition may occur within 1 day to 2 months after you start taking this medicine. Seek medical help right away if you develop symptoms like chest pain, trouble breathing, dizziness, cough, swelling, fever, rapid weight gain, or decreased urination.

What should I inform my doctor before taking Arsenox Injection?

Before taking Arsenox Injection you must inform your doctor if you have heart problems, low potassium or magnesium in blood, kidney, or liver disease.

Are there any tests needed during the treatment with Arsenox Injection?

Your doctor will prescribe tests to check the amount of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and creatinine in your blood before your first dose of Arsenox Injection. You will also be prescribed an electrical recording of the heart (electrocardiogram ECG) performed before your first dose.

Can I use Arsenox Injection during pregnancy?

No, this medicine should not be used during pregnancy. After the last dose of the Arsenox Injection, women should continue using non-hormonal contraceptives for at least 6 months, while men should continue for at least 3 months.

Can I use Arsenox Injection during breastfeeding?

No, you should not breastfeed while taking this medicine, and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose. This is because it might pass into breast milk and could therefore harm your baby.

Is Arsenox Injection used to treat leukemia in pediatric patients?

No, this medicine is not recommended in children and adolescents below 18 years of age.

I am experiencing nausea and extreme tiredness. Is this due to Arsenox Injection?

Nausea and fatigue or tiredness are some of the common side-effects of this medicine. Eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce the feeling of nausea. Avoid food that is salty, spicy, fried, or fatty. Take plenty of rest and do light exercise daily to keep yourself active and reduce fatigue.

Can the use of Arsenox Injection cause hyperglycemia?

Yes, Arsenox Injection can cause hyperglycemia or increase blood sugar levels. Monitor your sugar level regularly and immediately inform your doctor if you see a spike in your level.

How to get relief from diarrhea while on treatment with Arsenox Injection?

Food items with soluble fiber can help relieve diarrhea as they help absorb excess fluid from the body. These food items include bananas (ripe), orange, boiled potatoes, white rice, curd, and oatmeal. Diarrhea can cause dehydration in the body, so drink 8-10 glasses of water to avoid dehydration. You can also have soups and juice frequently to hydrate yourself.

I have noticed some changes in my skin after taking Arsenox Injection. What should I do?

Use a moisturizer to get relief from rashes, dry, and itchy skin during the treatment. Avoid sun exposure. Wear SPF 30 (or higher) sunblock and protective clothing. However, if you develop yellow discoloration of your skin, inform your doctor immediately as this could be a sign of a liver problem.

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Disclaimer:

Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.

References

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Arsenic trioxide. Harlow, Essex: Teva Pharma B.V.; 2002 [revised 04 Jan. 2019]. [Accessed 26 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:External Link
  4. Drugs.com. Arsenic trioxide Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings. [Accessed 26 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:External Link
  5. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). [Accessed 27 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:External Link

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