Arsenic Trioxide Injection

Conditions Treated

Arsenic trioxide is used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL; a type of cancer in which there are too many immature blood cells in the blood and bone marrow) in people who have not been helped by other types of chemotherapy or whose condition has improved but then worsened following treatment with other types of chemotherapy. Arsenic trioxide is in a class of medications called anti-neoplastics. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

Possible Side Effects

What Side Effects Can This Cause?

Arsenic trioxide injection may cause an increase in your blood sugar. Call your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar):

• extreme thirst
• frequent urination
• extreme hunger
• weakness
• blurred vision

If high blood sugar is not treated, a serious, life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis could develop. Get medical care immediately if you have any of these symptoms:

• dry mouth
• nausea and vomiting
• shortness of breath
• breath that smells fruity
• decreased consciousness

Arsenic trioxide injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• excessive tiredness
• dizziness
• headache
• diarrhea
• swelling of the arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• rash
• itching

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:

• unusual bruising or bleeding
• vomit that is bloody or that looks like coffee grounds
• stool that is black and tarry or contains bright red blood
• decreased urination
• hives
• seizures

Arsenic trioxide injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Usage Instructions

How Should This Medication Be Used

Arsenic trioxide comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected into a vein by a doctor or nurse in a medical office or clinic. Arsenic trioxide is usually injected over 1 to 2 hours, but it may be injected over as long as 4 hours if side effects are experienced during the infusion. It is usually given once a day for a specific period of time.

What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Are There Any Special Instructions

Before receiving arsenic trioxide injection, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to arsenic trioxide or any other medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are receiving arsenic trioxide.