dexrazoxane Health Article

Generic name(s):

dexrazoxane

Brand name(s):

Zinecard

What is the most important information I should know about dexrazoxane?

You should not receive this medication if your chemotherapy does not include doxorubicin or a similar medication such as daunorubicin (Cerubidine), epirubicin (Ellence), idarubicin (Idamycin), or mitoxantrone (Novantrone).

Before you receive dexrazoxane, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney disease. You may need dose adjustments or special tests during treatment.

Tell your doctor at once if you have serious side effects such as fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding, weakness, or white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips.

What is dexrazoxane?

Dexrazoxane is used to protect the heart from harmful side effects caused by doxorubicin (Adriamycin).

Dexrazoxane is used in women who are receiving doxorubicin for metastatic breast cancer.

Dexrazoxane may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving dexrazoxane?

You should not receive this medication if your chemotherapy does not include doxorubicin or a similar medication such as:

• daunorubicin (Cerubidine);

• epirubicin (Ellence);

• idarubicin (Idamycin); or

• mitoxantrone (Novantrone);

Before you receive dexrazoxane, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney disease. You may need dose adjustments or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether dexrazoxane passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is dexrazoxane given?

Dexrazoxane is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or cancer treatment setting. Dexrazoxane is usually given 30 minutes before your dose of doxorubicin.

Dexrazoxane can add to the bone marrow lowering effects of chemotherapy. This can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get sick from being around others who are ill.

To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney function may also need to be checked with urine tests. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since dexrazoxane is given by a healthcare professional as part of your chemotherapy treatment, it is not likely that you will miss a dose.

Call your doctor if you miss a chemotherapy appointment.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of a dexrazoxane overdose are not known.

What should I avoid after receiving dexrazoxane?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity after you receive dexrazoxane.

What are the possible side effects of dexrazoxane?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Tell your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

• easy bruising or bleeding, weakness; or

• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips.

Less serious side effects may include:

• hair loss;

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite;

• tired feeling;

• pain where the medicine is injected;

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.