Uses

Dexrazoxane is used to reduce the risk and severity of heart damage caused by doxorubicin treatment and similar cancer chemotherapy medications. Heart damage limits the length of time you can be treated with doxorubicin. Dexrazoxane allows you to continue doxorubicin treatment for longer. When used for this purpose, dexrazoxane treatment is usually started after you have received several doses of doxorubicin. It is usually not given with the first doses of doxorubicin since doing so may reduce the effectiveness of doxorubicin.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

Dexrazoxane is also available in another brand that is used to reduce serious tissue injury if doxorubicin or a related chemotherapy drug has leaked out of the vein into the surrounding tissue.

How To Use

This medication is usually given by injection into a vein by a health care professional.

When this medication is used to reduce the risk and severity of heart damage, the doxorubicin dose is usually given within 30 minutes after the start of the dexrazoxane infusion.

If skin contact should occur, wash the area with plenty of soap and water. If irritation occurs, contact your doctor right away.

Heart damage may occur at any time with doxorubicin treatment, even years after the end of your doxorubicin treatment. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of heart damage such as sudden nighttime shortness of breath, difficulty breathing while lying down, or shortness of breath when active.

Side Effects

Pain at the injection site may occur. If this effect lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever)
• easy bruising/bleeding

Very rarely, people with cancer who have been treated with this medication have developed other cancers (such as leukemia, lymphoma). Consult your doctor for more details.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before using dexrazoxane, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• kidney disease
• liver disease

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using dexrazoxane. Dexrazoxane may harm an unborn baby. Women using this medication should ask about reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Men using this medication should ask about reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose. If you or your partner becomes pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this drug and for 2 weeks after the last dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood counts, heart function) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule.

If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Storage

Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic and will not be stored at home.