We all know that cancer treatment is often difficult and a big challenge for the body. Especially the powerful drugs that are given to destroy cancer cells, that is, the drugs that we all know as `(chemotherapy)`, can sometimes affect the healthy parts of our body. So one of the main organs that can be affected in such a way is our heart. At such times, today we are talking about a special type of medicine that comes to the rescue of our heart.
Simply put, what is Dexrazoxane?
Dexrazoxane is an injection given into a vein. It is used for two main purposes.
1. Protect the heart: Some powerful chemotherapy drugs, especially when taken for a long time, can damage the heart muscle. When given shortly before chemotherapy, the Dexrazoxane injection can significantly reduce the damage to the heart. It acts as a protective shield around the heart.
2. Prevent tissue damage: Sometimes when chemotherapy drugs are given intravenously, they can leak out of the vein and damage surrounding tissue. This is called extravasation in medical terms. This can cause severe pain, swelling, and sometimes severe tissue damage at the injection site. Dexrazoxane can help reduce this damage.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to anyone else without your doctor's advice.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is very important that your medical team is fully aware of your health before you are given Dexrazoxane. Therefore, be sure to tell them if you have any of the following conditions:
- If you have kidney disease.
- If you have any liver disease.
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to Dexrazoxane or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
Based on this information, doctors will decide whether to give you this medicine or not, and if so, how to give it.
How to use this medicine? And what to be careful about
Dexrazoxane is not a medicine you can take home. It is an injection that is given into a vein by a trained medical professional in a hospital or clinic. It is usually given about 15-30 minutes before your chemotherapy treatment starts.
If you are giving this medicine to children, special care should be taken, so discuss it carefully with your child's doctor.
If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
This medicine may interact with other medicines. In particular, it may interact with topical dimethyl sulfoxide, a medicine used to treat chemotherapy. Therefore, give your doctor a complete list of all the medicines, vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements you take.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medicine, Dexrazoxane can cause some side effects. Some require immediate attention, while others are usually not serious. Let's take a closer look at them.
| Side effect | Description and how to pay attention |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that you should report to your doctor or nurse immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Symptoms such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | If you feel like you're having trouble breathing. |
| Dizziness or Fainting | If you feel dizzy , lightheaded, faint, or like you're about to fall. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and pain when urinating can be symptoms of low white blood cell count. |
| Bleeding symptoms | Unexplained bruising, small red spots on the skin, black or tarry stools, and blood in the urine can be signs of low blood platelets. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Nausea and vomiting | A common condition that occurs with many cancer medications. |
| Diarrhea | The stomach is empty. |
| Hair loss | This is a common side effect of many chemotherapy treatments. |
| Pain at the injection site | Redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site. |
If you notice anything unusual that is not on this list, don't be afraid to tell your doctor about it too.
What you need to know specifically about pregnancy and fertility
This is a very important part. Dexrazoxane is a drug that can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. So you need to be very careful with this.
For women: Avoid becoming pregnant for any reason while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping the medicine. If you are planning to become pregnant or have any suspicion that you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.
For men: Avoid fathering a child while taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping the medicine.
Breastfeeding mothers should avoid breastfeeding their baby while taking this medication and for 2 weeks after stopping the medication.
This medicine may also have some effect on male fertility. If you have any concerns or doubts about this, talk openly with your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Dexrazoxane is a special injection that is given only in a hospital to reduce the damage to the heart caused by certain cancer treatments (chemotherapy).
- It is imperative that you tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and allergies before prescribing medication.
- Avoid pregnancy completely while taking this medicine and for a certain period of time afterwards. Also avoid breastfeeding.
- If you experience any severe side effects such as fever, bruising, or difficulty breathing, notify the medical team immediately.
- If you have any questions, concerns, or doubts about this medication, never hesitate to ask your doctor. Your health is the most important thing.
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