Dexrazoxane is used to reduce serious tissue injury if doxorubicin or a similar cancer chemotherapy medication has leaked out of the vein into the surrounding tissue. Dexrazoxane can help prevent the need for surgery to repair the tissue damage.

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 the risk and severity of heart damage caused by doxorubicin treatment and similar cancer chemotherapy medications.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using dexrazoxane. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

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

When used to reduce the risk of tissue injury from chemotherapy injection leakage, dexrazoxane is given as directed by your doctor, usually as soon as possible (within 6 hours of the injection leakage) once daily for 3 days.

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

Tell your doctor if the condition around your injection site persists or worsens.

Many of the side effects reported with dexrazoxane treatment are the same as those reported with cancer chemotherapy drugs, and are probably caused by the chemotherapy (such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite). Pain at the injection site may also occur. If any side effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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 fever, persistent sore throat), easy bruising/bleeding.

Very rarely, people with cancer who have been treated regularly 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.

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

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.

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

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. However, because this drug may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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.

A product that may interact with this drug is: dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) products applied to the skin.

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Keep all medical appointments while using this medication. Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as complete blood counts, examination of the injection site) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.

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

Information last revised March 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.