Arsenic Trioxide
About Arsenic Trioxide
Arsenic Trioxide belongs to the group of medicines called anti-neoplastic agents used to treat acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL). Acute promyelocytic leukaemia is a type of cancer in which there are too many immature blood cells in the blood and bone marrow.
Arsenic Trioxide contains Arsenic trioxide, which works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells and slowing their growth and spread in the body.
Arsenic Trioxide may cause side effects such as fatigue, pain, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. Do not be reluctant to talk with your doctor if any of the side effects persist or worsen.
Do not use Arsenic Trioxide if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This medicine may not be recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Keep the doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Arsenic Trioxide
Medicinal Benefits
Arsenic Trioxide belongs to the group of medicines called anti-neoplastic agents used to treat acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL). Arsenic Trioxide contains Arsenic trioxide, which works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells and slowing their growth and spread in the body.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Arsenic Trioxide
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Fever
- Diarrhoea
- Increased blood sugar
- Oedema (swelling due to excess fluid)
- Rash or itching
Drug Warnings
Do not receive Arsenic Trioxide if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform the doctor if you have kidney or liver diseases. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of low APL differentiation syndrome (fever, weight gain, shortness of breath, laboured breathing, chest pain, or cough), QT prolongation/heart rhythm problems or encephalopathy (confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, speech changes, problems with coordination, balance, or walking, or visual changes such as decreased visual perception, reading problems, or double vision). Consult the doctor if you or your partner becomes pregnant while on treatment with this medication.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking chemotherapy agents (doxorubicin) or medicines which may affect your liver or heartbeat.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform the doctor if you have encephalopathy and conduction abnormality.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known if alcohol affects Arsenic Trioxide. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafeArsenic trioxide belongs to pregnancy category D. Arsenic Trioxide may cause harm to the unborn baby when used by pregnant women. If you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or think you may be pregnant, talk to the doctor for advice.
Breast Feeding
unsafeArsenic trioxide passes into breast milk and may harm the baby. Therefore, avoid breastfeeding during treatment with Arsenic Trioxide.
Driving
safe if prescribedArsenic Trioxide has no or very little effect on your ability to drive. However, drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionIf you have a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Arsenic Trioxide.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before receiving Arsenic Trioxide. Caution is advised for patients with kidney failure.
Children
cautionArsenic Trioxide may not be recommended for children below 18 years. Please consult the doctor if you have any concerns.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Include vegetables and fruits in your diet.
- Avoid fast food, fried food, processed meats, refined carbs and added sugar.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
- Drink enough water and eat fibre-rich foods, vegetables and fruits.
Special Advise
- Women of reproductive potential must use reliable and effective contraception during treatment with Arsenic Trioxide.
- Men should use effective contraception during treatment with Arsenic Trioxide.
- Your doctor may advise an ECG before your first dose and blood tests before and during treatment. Your doctor may also monitor your health during and after treatment.
- Follow-up of cognitive and mobility functions is recommended if you are at risk for vitamin B1 deficiency.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Acute promyelocytic leukaemia: Acute promyelocytic leukaemia is a form of acute myeloid leukaemia, a cancer of the bone marrow/blood-forming tissue. People with acute promyelocytic leukaemia are susceptible to developing bruises, petechiae (small red dots under the skin), nosebleeds, bleeding from the gums, hematuria (blood in the urine), or excessive menstrual bleeding.
FAQs
Arsenic Trioxide is used to treat Acute promyelocytic leukaemia.
Arsenic Trioxide works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells and slowing their growth and spread in the body.
Arsenic Trioxide may reduce fertility in men. Discuss with the doctor about the risks of receiving Arsenic Trioxide if you are planning to father a child.
Arsenic Trioxide may cause increased blood sugar levels. Therefore, if you are diabetic or if you notice changes in blood sugar levels, consult the doctor.
In rare cases, Arsenic Trioxide may cause serious side effects in some individuals such as severe fever, breathing problems, heart issues, confusion, severe allergic reactions, vomit that is bloody, and decreased urination. It's important to watch for these symptoms and seek medical help right away if they happen.
Before taking Arsenic Trioxide, inform your doctor if you have any allergies, especially to any of Arsenic Trioxide ingredients. Inform if you are having any medical issues, as well as any medications you're taking. Also, inform your doctor if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.
Generally, doctors may advise blood tests and ECGs to monitor blood counts, heart function, and other potential side effects. In necessary cases, your doctor may also include any other test based on individual health status.
Arsenic Trioxide may cause harm to the foetus. Discuss with your doctor if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant before prescribing Arsenic Trioxide.
Arsenic Trioxide can pass into breast milk and may harm the baby. Discuss with your doctor if you're breastfeeding. In necessary or possible conditions, the doctor may probably tell you not to breastfeed during your treatment.
Arsenic Trioxide can be used to treat certain leukemia in pediatric patients under controlled doses and careful monitoring.
It may be due to Arsenic Trioxide. Because nausea and extreme tiredness are the reported side effects of the Arsenic Trioxide. In most cases, they usually vanish over time. If these effects worsen and are persistent please contact your doctor to find the actual reason and relief.
The use of Arsenic Trioxide can cause hyperglycemia. If you're diabetic, inform your doctor. Additionally, if you notice symptoms like extreme thirst, frequent urination, or blurred vision, contact your doctor immediately.
To relieve diarrhea while on Arsenic Trioxide, stay hydrated with water or electrolyte-rich drinks. Natural remedies like bananas, ginger, and probiotic-rich yogurt may help. If symptoms worsen, inform your doctor for prescribed medication or anti-diarrheal measures. Don’t take any medication without a prescription by your doctor.
Inform your doctor about the skin changes. They will assess and provide guidance on managing any skin reactions or recommend further treatment.
The common side effects of the Arsenic Trioxide are fatigue, pain, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. If any of the side effects become persistent or worsen, inform your doctor for relief.
