ARSENIC TRIOXIDE belongs to the group of medicines called anti-neoplastic agents used to treat acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL). Acute promyelocytic leukaemia is a type of cancer in which there are too many immature blood cells in the blood and bone marrow.
ARSENIC TRIOXIDE contains Arsenic trioxide, which works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells and slowing their growth and spread in the body.
ARSENIC TRIOXIDE may cause side effects such as fatigue, pain, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. Do not be reluctant to talk with your doctor if any of the side effects persist or worsen.
Do not use ARSENIC TRIOXIDE if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This medicine may not be recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Keep the doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Acute promyelocytic leukaemia
ARSENIC TRIOXIDE belongs to the group of medicines called anti-neoplastic agents used to treat acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL). ARSENIC TRIOXIDE contains Arsenic trioxide, which works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells and slowing their growth and spread in the body.
Do not receive ARSENIC TRIOXIDE if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform the doctor if you have kidney or liver diseases. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of low APL differentiation syndrome (fever, weight gain, shortness of breath, laboured breathing, chest pain, or cough), QT prolongation/heart rhythm problems or encephalopathy (confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, speech changes, problems with coordination, balance, or walking, or visual changes such as decreased visual perception, reading problems, or double vision). Consult the doctor if you or your partner becomes pregnant while on treatment with this medication.
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking chemotherapy agents (doxorubicin) or medicines which may affect your liver or heartbeat.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform the doctor if you have encephalopathy and conduction abnormality.
It is not known if alcohol affects ARSENIC TRIOXIDE. Please consult your doctor.
Arsenic trioxide belongs to pregnancy category D. ARSENIC TRIOXIDE may cause harm to the unborn baby when used by pregnant women. If you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or think you may be pregnant, talk to the doctor for advice.
Arsenic trioxide passes into breast milk and may harm the baby. Therefore, avoid breastfeeding during treatment with ARSENIC TRIOXIDE.
ARSENIC TRIOXIDE has no or very little effect on your ability to drive. However, drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
If you have a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving ARSENIC TRIOXIDE.
If you have a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before receiving ARSENIC TRIOXIDE. Caution is advised for patients with kidney failure.
ARSENIC TRIOXIDE may not be recommended for children below 18 years. Please consult the doctor if you have any concerns.
Acute promyelocytic leukaemia: Acute promyelocytic leukaemia is a form of acute myeloid leukaemia, a cancer of the bone marrow/blood-forming tissue. People with acute promyelocytic leukaemia are susceptible to developing bruises, petechiae (small red dots under the skin), nosebleeds, bleeding from the gums, hematuria (blood in the urine), or excessive menstrual bleeding.