ARSENOX 1MG INJECTION

Introduction:

Arsenox 1mg Injection is an anti-cancer agent containing the active constituent arsenic trioxide. It is used to treat a type of leukemia (blood cancers commonly arising from the bone marrow resulting in the abnormal production of blood cells) called Acute Promyelocytic leukemia APL. Acute Promyelocytic leukemia is the kind of leukemia affecting white blood cells. 

Arsenox 1mg Injection is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to arsenic. Your doctor will check the blood counts, liver function, potassium levels, magnesium, calcium, and creatinine before and during the treatment with medicine. It is not recommended in children and adolescents below 18 years of age. 

The risk of APL differentiation syndrome is associated with this medication which is indicated by weight gain, unexplained fever, hypotension, acute renal failure, chest pain, coughing, and shortness of breath. ECG (Electrical activity of the heart measured by ECG to observe cardiac abnormalities) will be performed before and during the treatment with Arsenox 1mg Injection.

Uses of Arsenox 1mg Injection:

• Acute Promyelocytic leukemia
• To treat patients with leukemia not responding to other therapies.

How Arsenox 1mg Injection works:

Arsenox 1mg Injection damages the DNA of the cancer cells and prevents the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Interactions with other drugs:

Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking or have taken before the treatment.

More information:

Store at 25° C protected from light. Do not freeze.

References:

1. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Anticancer drugs, 7th edition, 2013,869.
2. Phebra Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [Revised on Sept 2020] [ Accessed on 3rd April 2021], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.10278.pdf
3. Cell Therapeutics, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on March 2000] [ Accessed on 3rd April 2021], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2000/21248lbl.pdf

How to use Arsenox 1mg Injection:

The Arsenox 1mg Injection is administered intravenously by a physician who has experience in treating acute leukemias.

Safety advice:

Pregnancy: 

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant before taking the Arsenox 1mg Injection as it may cause harm to the unborn baby.

Breastfeeding:

Do not breast during the treatment with this medicine. Consult your doctor for potential risks and benefits.

Liver: 

Inform your doctor if you have any liver disorders before taking Arsenox 1mg Injection.

Driving: 

It may have very little effect on driving. If you feel uncomfortable, wait until you are ready.

Others:

• Inform your doctor if you have any allergic conditions or diseases.

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all medicines cause side effects, not everyone gets them.

Serious: 

• Signs of differentiation syndrome (coughing, chest pain, fever, difficulty breathing)
• Severe allergic reactions (strong heartbeat which you can feel, fainting, water retention)
• Seizures

Common:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Headache, fatigue, dizziness
• Tingling, itching, rash
• Increased blood sugar
• Swelling
• Abnormal liver function tests
• Abnormal blood counts (reduction in blood cells)
• Weight gain
• Redness of the skin, swollen face
• Blurred vision
• Stomach pain, joint pain
• Low blood pressure
• low oxygen levels