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Arsenic Trioxide ( AR-seh-nik try-OKS-eyed ) (Trisenox®) What is this medication used for? Arsenic trioxide is used to treat cancer. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in the body.
• Reddening of the face with feelings of warmth • Inflammation (i.e., swelling and redness) of the skin • Hives • Stuffy or runny nose, sneezing and/or cough • Sudden, uncontrolled narrowing of the airways in the lungs that may cause difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath • Excessive sweating • Shaking and chills • Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet (peripheral neuropathy) • Dizziness • Difficulty sleeping or falling asleep • Anxiety • Aches and pains in the joints and muscles (e.g., back, neck, arms, or legs) • Muscle weakness and/or wasting • Inflammation of the pancreas (the pancreas is an organ in the abdomen [belly] that makes insulin and certain digestive chemicals) causing severe pain in the abdomen and back and possibly increasing blood sugar • Differentiation syndrome, which can include breathing problems from fluid buildup in the lungs, low blood pressure, kidney damage, and severe fluid buildup in the body Special instructions: • Heart tests are done before this drug is given and at certain times during treatment to check how well the heart is working. • Blood tests are done to check blood cell counts; electrolyte levels (especially potassium and magnesium); glucose (i.e., sugar) level; and changes in liver, kidney, and pancreas function. • In utero exposure may cause fetal harm.
What does it look like? • Liquid (IV) How is it given?
• Into the vein (IV) or venous access device What are the common side effects? • Abnormal heartbeat • Diarrhea • Nausea and/or vomiting • Feeling tired (fatigue, malaise) • Low blood counts including white blood cells, platelets, and red blood cells • Fever and increased risk of infection especially when white blood cell count is low • Headache • Shortness of breath • Cough • Itching (pruritis) • Skin rash with the presence of macules (i.e., flat discolored areas) and papules (i.e., raised bumps) What are the less common side effects? • Ringing in the ears • Hair loss (alopecia) • Swelling of the face, eyelids, arms, legs, and abdomen (belly) • Loss of appetite • Weight loss or gain • Pain in the abdomen (belly) • Constipation • Dry mouth • Heartburn or upset stomach • Sores in the mouth, throat, abdomen (belly), rectum, or anus • High or low blood pressure • Skin changes (e.g., dryness, thickening, or darkening)
Not all of the possible side effects of this medicine and precautions related to taking it are covered in this information sheet. For a complete list of side effects and precautions, ask your healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, pharmacist) for a manufacturer’s package insert or another reference.
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