Dexrazoxane (By injection)
dex-ray-ZOX-ane
Helps prevent heart problems in women receiving doxorubicin for breast cancer. Also treats tissue damage caused by cancer medicines leaking from the blood vessels.
Drug classes
Cardioprotective Agent, Dermatological Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Dexrazoxane is used to help prevent or lessen a toxic effect to your heart that is caused by certain medicines that are used to treat cancer.
Dexrazoxane is also used to treat tissue damage caused by the leakage of certain medicines that are used to treat cancer .
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you are pregnant.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or a blood disorder.
This medicine can increase your risk for certain cancers, such as leukemia. Talk to your doctor if you have questions or concerns.
This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
If you are also taking doxorubicin: This medicine may not protect your heart completely. It is important to tell your doctor if you have any symptoms of heart problems, such as trouble breathing, chest pain, lightheadedness, dizziness, or a fast or uneven heartbeat.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Pain, burning, redness, or swelling under your skin where the needle is placed
Tiredness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Totect, Zinecard
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
