Trade name
Asadin®
What Arsenic Trioxide is and what it is used for?
- Arsenic trioxide is a natural element that is used to treat patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia. The mechanisms of arsenic trioxide on cancer cell death is not clearly understood.
How Arsenic Trioxide is given?
- It is given as an infusion into a vein over 1 or 2 hours.
What should I know while receiving Arsenic Trioxide?
- An allergic reaction may happen during or shortly after the infusion, causing a skin rash, swelling of hands, feet or face, breathing difficulties, breathing difficulties, fever and chills. Tell your nurse right away if you feel unwell during an infusion.
- Do not receive this drug when you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Men and women should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after the treatment ends.
- Do not receive any kind of vaccination without doctor's approval.
- This drug may affect fertility. You can talk to your doctor about methods of preserving fertility before treatment starts.
- There are many drugs may affect how arsenic trioxide works. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
- You will have regular blood tests and medical examinations to check that you have enough blood cells and have adequate organ functions to receive arsenic trioxide. The timing of your treatment may be changed based on the test results or other side effects.
- The existing health problems may affect the use of arsenic trioxide. You should let your doctor know if you have any other medical problems, especially heart diseases, liver or kidney problems.
Common side effects
- Low red blood cell count
You may look pale and get tired more easily. Let your doctor know if you experience any difficulty breathing or dizziness when changing positions.
- Low platelet count
You may have a higher risk of bleeding. Let your doctor know if you find red or purple dots on the skin, bleeding from the nose or gums, or any bruising or bleeding that you cannot explain.
- High white blood cell count
Your doctor will monitor your blood cell counts carefully during treatment.
- Nausea and vomiting
Medicines may be given before the treatment to prevent it happening. Eating and drinking often in small amounts may reduce the discomfort.
- Weakness and fatigue
Try to pace yourself and rest as much as possible. Seek medical advice if fatigue does not go away when you rest and sleep.
- Diarrhea or constipation
Talk to your doctor and ask for advice. Drinking plenty of water and dietary changes can improve the symptoms.
- Loss of appetite
Try to eat in small quantities and have frequent meals. If your appetite doesn't get any better after a few days, talk to the doctor.
- Electrolyte imbalance (magnesium, potassium, levels)
You may feel weak or numb, have muscle spasms, or twitch. Your heart may beat fast or blood pressure may change. Your doctor will monitor your electrolyte levels and may prescribe specific electrolytes to be given by injection or taken by mouth.
- Difficulty sleeping
Talk to your doctor if this bothers you. Treatments usually include lifestyle changes, medications, or a combination of both.
- Flu-like symptoms
Symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pains and shivering may occur a few hours after treatment. These symptoms generally last for 2 to 3 days. Seek medical help if you do not get any better.
- Skin reactions
Symptoms include dryness, itching, or rash. Tell your doctor about any skin changes that you have. Your doctor can give you medicines and advices that help you feel better.
- Swelling in the hands or feet
Tell your doctor if your hands, arms, legs, or feet feel puffy or tender. The doctor may give medicines to reduce your symptoms and suggest ways to prevent fluid buildup.
- Cough or trouble breathing
Asadin® may affect how you breathe. Tell your doctor if you develop difficulty breathing with wheezing and coughing or there is any existing breathing problems get worse.
Less common side effects
- Generalized pains
Talk to the doctor if the pain is bothering you, they can give you medicine to help ease pain.
- Elevated liver enzymes
This is a sign that your liver is not working well. Seek medical help if you have yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark or brown urine or pain in abdomen, as these can be signs of liver toxicity.
- Differentiation syndrome (DS)
DS is a life-threatening side effect. It is caused by a large, rapid release of immune substances from leukemia cells. Seek medical help at once if you have unexplained fever, difficulty breathing, dizziness or lightheadedness, and a sudden weight gain.
- QT prolongation
Asadin® can cause slow or abnormal heartbeats. Seek medical help at once if you have fluttering in the chest or have dizziness or fainting.
More Information
- Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water every day can help make your recovery a smoother process.
- Alcohol and cigarettes may interfere with certain medicines or worsen side effects from chemotherapy treatment. It is wise to avoid alcohol and cigarettes during cancer treatment. If you have any problem about drinking alcohol and smoking, you should check with your doctor.