Dexrazoxane
About Dexrazoxane
Dexrazoxane is an injectable medicine used to reduce heart damage caused by certain anthracycline chemotherapy medicines. It can also be used to reduce tissue damage when certain anthracyclines accidentally leak from a vein into the surrounding tissue, known as extravasation.
This medicine is given directly into a vein by a trained healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic. The timing and dose depend on why you are receiving it and your chemotherapy treatment plan.
You may experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, tiredness, or low blood cell counts. Low blood cell counts can increase the risk of infection, anaemia, or bleeding. Consult your doctor right away if you develop a high fever, severe chills, unusual bleeding or bruising, or difficulty breathing.
Before receiving this medicine, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems or any other medical conditions. Your doctor may check your blood cell counts and kidney and liver function during treatment.
Tell your doctor about all medicines, supplements, and cancer treatments you receive. Also tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Dexrazoxane can harm an unborn baby, so appropriate contraception may be needed during and after treatment.
Uses of Dexrazoxane
Medicinal Benefits
Dexrazoxane can help protect healthy tissue from some of the harmful effects of certain anthracycline chemotherapy medicines.
- Reduces the risk of heart damage: It can help protect the heart from damage associated with certain anthracyclines in patients for whom heart protection with dexrazoxane is appropriate.
- Limits tissue injury after chemotherapy leakage: When given promptly after certain anthracyclines leak outside a vein, it can reduce tissue damage and the risk of serious complications.
- Supports planned cancer treatment: Reducing certain treatment-related complications may help your healthcare team manage your chemotherapy more safely.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Dexrazoxane will be administered by a healthcare professional.
- Do not self-administer it.
Storage
Side Effects of Dexrazoxane
Common Side Effects (Usually Mild)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Feeling tired or weak
- Pain, redness, or swelling where the medicine is given
- Temporary changes in blood cell counts
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away)
- High fever, chills, sore throat, or other signs of infection
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Severe weakness, unusual tiredness, or shortness of breath, which may be signs of anaemia
- Hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing
- Severe or worsening pain, redness, swelling, or skin changes around an area where chemotherapy has leaked
Drug Warnings
- Attend scheduled monitoring: Have blood tests and other checks recommended by your doctor so your blood cell counts, kidney function, liver function, and treatment response can be monitored.
- Watch for infection: Consult your doctor right away if you develop fever, chills, sore throat, or other signs of infection, as this medicine may contribute to low white blood cell counts.
- Watch for unusual bleeding: Tell your doctor promptly if you develop unexplained bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or other unusual bleeding.
- Report problems around the intravenous line: Tell your healthcare team immediately if you notice burning, pain, redness, orswelling during chemotherapy or treatment.
- Tell your doctor about kidney problems: Reduced kidney function can increase exposure to dexrazoxane, and your dose may need to be adjusted.
- Discuss vaccinations: Check with your oncology team before receiving vaccines during cancer treatment, as your chemotherapy and immune status can affect which vaccines are appropriate.
- Discuss pregnancy and contraception: Dexrazoxane may harm an unborn baby. Ask your doctor about effective contraception during treatment and how long it should be continued after your final dose.
- Discuss breastfeeding: Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Your healthcare team will advise you based on the dexrazoxane product and cancer treatment you are receiving.
Drug Interactions
- Other medicines that lower blood cell counts (e.g. certain chemotherapy medicines): Using these treatments with dexrazoxane may further reduce white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets. Your doctor will monitor your blood counts closely.
- Other cancer treatments: Dexrazoxane is used as part of specific anthracycline treatment plans. Your oncology team will carefully coordinate its timing and dose with your chemotherapy.
- Vaccines: Cancer treatment may weaken your immune system and affect your response to vaccines. Live vaccines may be unsuitable during periods of significant immune suppression. Ask your oncology team before receiving any vaccine.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Dexrazoxane interacts with alcohol. Consult your doctor for more information.
Pregnancy
unsafeDexrazoxane is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may cause embryo-fetal toxicity and harm your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant, inform your doctor before receiving Dexrazoxane. You should not become pregnant while you are receiving Dexrazoxane. Using effective birth control methods while on treatment and for 6 months after the last dose, is suggested.
Breast Feeding
unsafeDexrazoxane should not be taken if you are breastfeeding, as it passes into breast milk and may harm your infant. Avoid nursing your child while on treatment and for two weeks after the last dose of this medicine.
Driving
cautionDexrazoxane will be administered to hospitalized patients. Driving is not recommended.
Liver
cautionIf you have pre-existing or a history of liver problems, tell your doctor before receiving this medicine. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney diseases, inform your doctor before receiving Dexrazoxane. Tell your doctor if you have little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, or blood in your urine. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine based on your condition.
Children
unsafeDexrazoxane is not recommended for use in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a balanced diet: Choose nutritious foods that provide enough protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals to support your body during cancer treatment.
- Stay hydrated: Drink enough fluids unless your healthcare team has advised you to restrict your fluid intake.
- Reduce infection risk: Wash your hands regularly and follow food-safety advice, particularly if your white blood cell count is low.
- Balance activity with rest: Gentle activity may help with treatment-related tiredness when you feel able, but follow your healthcare team's advice about exercise.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking can affect heart and overall health. Ask your healthcare team for support if you need help stopping.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may suggest periodic blood tests to monitor the function of the kidney and cardiac due to the use of Dexrazoxane.
- Using contraceptive pills while using Dexrazoxane to prevent pregnancy is advised.
- Regular blood pressure monitoring is recommended during the treatment course to check for any changes in cardiovascular events.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Breast Cancer: Breast cancer is a type of cancer with abnormal growth in the cells of the breast. There are different kinds of breast cancer, such as cancer occurring in lobules (glands that produce milk), ducts of the breast (the pathway that brings milk from glands to the nipple), and in the fatty tissue or the fibrous connective tissue within the breast. Symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast, breast pain, redness, swelling, nipple discharge other than breast milk, bloody discharge, a lump or swelling under the arm, unexplained change in shape, size or appearance of the breast, peeling, flaking or scaling of the skin.
Cardiomyopathy: It is a chronic condition that affects the heart muscle and makes it more difficult for the heart to pump blood throughout the body. Symptoms may include chest pain, rapid, pounding or fluttering heartbeat, swelling of legs, and shortness of heartbeat.
FAQs
Dexrazoxane is used to reduce the severity of cardiomyopathy in metastatic breast Cancer patients.
Dexrazoxane contains Dexrazoxane, which protects the heart muscles from cardiomyopathy in patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
The symptoms of overdose may include sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection, unusual bruising or bleeding, pale skin, shortness of breath, and excessive tiredness. If you notice these symptoms seek emergency medical help.
Certain anthracycline chemotherapy medicines can damage the heart. This medicine may be given to reduce that risk when your doctor considers heart protection appropriate for your treatment.
Dexrazoxane is mainly used as a protective medicine alongside certain anthracycline treatments or to reduce tissue damage after anthracycline leakage. It is not used to treat cancer by itself.
No. It is used for specific purposes, such as reducing certain anthracycline-related heart damage or tissue injury after anthracycline leakage. It does not prevent side effects such as nausea, hair loss, or low blood cell counts.
When dexrazoxane is appropriate for anthracycline extravasation, treatment should be started as soon as possible within the recommended treatment window. Your healthcare team will begin and manage treatment promptly.
It can contribute to lower white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, particularly when used with chemotherapy. Your doctor will monitor your blood counts and manage any significant changes.
Tell your doctor if you have reduced kidney function. Dexrazoxane is partly cleared through the kidneys, and your doctor may need to adjust the dose.
Dexrazoxane may harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Your doctor will consider your cancer treatment needs and discuss the safest treatment plan with you.
There is no specific diet required because of dexrazoxane alone. A balanced diet, adequate fluids, and good food hygiene can support your overall health during cancer treatment. Follow any individual dietary advice from your doctor or dietitian.
