Arsenox 1mg injection contains the active constituent arsenic trioxide. It belongs to the therapeutic class antineoplastics. It is used to treat newly diagnosed low to intermediate-risk acute promyelocytic leukemia (a type of bone cancer where too many immature blood cells accumulate in bone marrow) combined with other medication (tretinoin). It is also indicated in patients whose APL has not responded to other therapies or whose condition has worsened following treatment with other medications. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to Arsenox 1mg injection or any other ingredients in this medicine. Inform your physician priorly if you have kidney or liver problems. The most common adverse effects are increased or reduced white blood cells, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, liver toxicity, fever, child, insomnia, swelling in the face and body, difficulty breathing, rash or itching, sore throat, and dizziness. Avoid pregnancy during therapy. Female patients should use effective contraception during the therapy and for at least 6 months after completing the therapy. Male patients with female partners of reproductive potential should use the effective contraception method for at least 3 months after completing the therapy.
Uses of Arsenox 1mg Injection
Therapeutic Effects of Arsenox 1mg Injection
Arsenox 1mg injection affects many signal pathways and causes changes in cellular function. These actions result in cell death, inhibition of growth, division, and multiplication of cancer cells.
Interaction of Arsenox 1mg Injection with other drugs
Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional and vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Arsenox 1mg injection and reduce its effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.
More Information about Arsenox 1mg Injection
How to consume Arsenox 1mg Injection
Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of Arsenox 1mg injection based on the disease condition and other factors. It is normally given to you by a trained doctor or nurse. It is given as a drip (infusion) into the veins over 1 - 2 hours. You will be monitored for unwanted side effects during the infusion.
Safety Advices for Arsenox 1mg Injection
Pregnancy
Do not take Arsenox 1mg injection if you are pregnant because this may harm the unborn baby. Inform your physician if you are pregnant, suspecting pregnancy, or planning to get pregnant during the treatment. Use effective birth control methods during the treatment and for at least six months (females) or three months (males) after completing the therapy.
Breast Feeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended in patients taking Arsenox 1mg injection because the medicine passes into the breast milk in small amounts and may harm your baby. Discontinue breastfeeding during treatment and for two weeks after treatment with this medicine.
Lungs
It is unknown whether Arsenox 1mg injection can be used in patients with lung disorders. Consult your doctor if you have any lung diseases before starting the treatment.
Liver
Arsenox 1mg injection should be administered cautiously in patients with liver problems. Dose adjustments are necessary for patients with liver diseases. Inform your physician if you have any liver disorder before the treatment.
Alcohol
It is unknown whether consuming alcohol is safe when taking Arsenox 1mg injection. Inform your physician if you are an alcoholic before starting the treatment.
Driving
Arsenox 1mg injection has no or little effect on driving. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy after taking this medicine. Consult your doctor for more advice.
Side Effects of Arsenox 1mg Injection
Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.
Common
- Swelling in the face and body
- Reduced blood pressure
- Itchy skin
- Increased blood sugar levels
- Abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea
- Nausea, vomiting
- Bone pain, muscle pain
- Dizziness, headache, insomnia
- Pain in throat
- Loss of appetite
- Bleeding from nose, cough, difficulty breathing
- Fever and tiredness
Serious
- Anemia
- Changes in heart rate
- Liver toxicity
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Infections and sepsis
- Kidney problems
- Pneumonia
Word of Advice
Report to your doctor immediately if you face any symptoms of fever, sudden weight gain, dizziness/lightheadedness, shortness of breath, and any symptoms of accumulation of fluids in the lungs, heart, and chest. Your doctor will take routine blood tests at regular visits to check on the effectiveness and side effects of the treatment. Arsenox 1mg injection is not recommended in children and young people below 18 years of age.
FAQs
Q 1. How will I be monitored during the treatment with Arsenox 1mg injection?
Regular blood checkups measuring complete blood counts and other organ functions like liver function tests, and kidney function tests will be taken to monitor the effectiveness and safety of the therapy.
Q 2. Does consuming alcohol affects the treatment with Arsenox 1mg injection?
Yes, consuming alcohol regularly during the treatment with Arsenox 1mg injection can make you more prone to vitamin B12 deficiency. Inform your doctor if you are consuming alcohol daily.
Q 3. How long should I have to take Arsenox 1mg injection?
The dose and duration of the treatment will be decided by your doctor based on your disease condition, severity, and other factors. Do not stop receiving the treatment without consulting your physician.
Q 4. Can treatment with Arsenox 1mg injection cause weight gain?
Arsenox 1mg injection does not cause weight gain. If you see any sudden changes in your weight, inform your physician immediately.
Q 5. I am a male patient. Do I have to use contraceptives while on treatment with Arsenox 1mg injection?
Male patients with female partners of reproductive potential should use effective contraceptives during the treatment and for at least 3 months after the treatment.
Fact Box of Arsenox 1mg Injection
Molecule name: Arsenic Trioxide | Therapeutic class: Antineoplastics |
Pharmacological class: Natural Products | Indications: Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) |