DexrazoxaneIV - Drug Information and Side Effects on Drug3k.com


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Dexrazoxane images:

Overview

Photos

How To Use

Side Effects

Precautions

Missed Dose

Drug Interactions

Dexrazoxane

Uses
This medication is used to reduce the risk of heart damage from doxorubicin, an anticancer medication. Dexrazoxane is known as a chelating agent. It is believed to work by preventing the release of certain chemicals (iron-mediated free radicals) in the body. These chemicals are thought to be part of the reason why doxorubicin (and similar drugs known as anthracyclines) causes damage to the heart. Dexrazoxane also allows your oncologist (cancer doctor) to treat you longer with doxorubicin as part of your cancer treatment.The manufacturer recommends that dexrazoxane should not be given with the first dose of doxorubicin. It is believed that the beneficial effects of doxorubicin may be decreased if it is given with the first dose of doxorubicin. Talk to your oncologist for more details.
Notes

Do not share this medication with others.Keep all medical appointments while using this medication.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., complete blood counts) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
Consult your doctor for more details.

Storage

Store vials of dry powder at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and heat.
Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted.
Store any mixed drug either at room temperature or in the refrigerator between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C).
Discard any mixed medication that is not used within 6 hours of preparation.
Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

How To Use

This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional.
It is started no more than 30 minutes before a dose of doxorubicin.
It is given by either slow IV push or rapid infusion from an infusion bag.The health care professional should follow all instructions for proper mixing with the correct IV fluids.
If you have any questions about the use of this medication, consult your pharmacist.Dosage is based on your dose of doxorubicin and your medical condition, body size, and response to treatment.
If your doxorubicin dose is changed, your dexrazoxane will also need to be changed.
Follow your doctor's directions exactly.Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration.
If either is present, do not use the liquid.Do not mix dexrazoxane with any other medications.If skin contact occurs, flush with plenty of soap and water.
If irritation occurs, contact your doctor immediately.Use this medication before each dose of doxorubicin (after your first dose) to get the most benefit from it.Symptoms of heart damage may occur when you first receive doxorubicin, during later doses of doxorubicin, or years after the end of your doxorubicin treatment.
It is important to continue using this medication even if you do not have symptoms of heart damage such as sudden nighttime shortness of breath, difficulty breathing while lying down, or shortness of breath when active.

Side Effects

Because this medication is used with another medication, it is difficult to tell which side effects are caused by dexrazoxane.
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, trouble swallowing, diarrhea, temporary hair loss, or pain/irritation at the injection site have been reported.
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.When combined with chemotherapy, dexrazoxane may worsen the effects that these medications can have on your bone marrow.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: unusual weakness, mouth sores, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), easy bruising/bleeding.Very rarely, people with cancer who have been treated with this medication have developed other cancers (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma).
Consult your doctor for more details.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, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before taking dexrazoxane, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known whether this drug 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.

Missed Dose

It is very important to use this medication as scheduled.
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to set up a new dosing schedule.
Do not double the dose to catch up.

Drug Interactions

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.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.