Dexrazoxane, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: chemoprotective

Generic and brand names: dexrazoxane, injection; Totect; Zinecard

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by injection (shots) or IV infusion to:

• treat symptoms from chemotherapy medicines that accidentally leak into your tissue
• prevent serious heart muscle problems from chemotherapy medicines

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• heart disease
• liver or kidney disease

Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not usually given to pregnant women because it can harm the baby. If you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. Do not become pregnant during treatment with this medicine. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while you are receiving this medicine.

How do I use it?

This medicine is given by your healthcare provider in a clinic or hospital. It is given on the same schedule as your chemotherapy.

What if I overdose?

Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.

What should I watch out for?

You need blood tests and exams regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests and exams.

You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.

This medicine may increase the side effects of other cancer medicines. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are receiving this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Severe nausea or vomiting, severe diarrhea, unusual weakness, infection, fever, trouble swallowing, unusual bruising or bleeding, rash.

Other: Pain at the site of the injections, itching, white patches or sores inside mouth or on lips, loss of appetite, hair loss.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.

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