Generic name: arsenic trioxide [ AR-sen-ik-trye-OX-ide ]
Drug class: Miscellaneous antineoplastics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 1, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Trisenox?

Trisenox is used to treat a cancer of the blood and bone marrow called acute promyelocytic (pro-MYE-loe-SIT-ik) leukemia, or APL.

Trisenox is sometimes given in combination with another medicine called tretinoin.

Trisenox may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Trisenox side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Trisenox can cause a condition called differentiation syndrome, which affects blood cells and can be fatal if not treated. This condition may occur within 1 days to 2 months after you start taking Trisenox.

Seek medical help right away if you have symptoms of differentiation syndrome:

• fever, cough, trouble breathing;

• dizziness;

• rash;

• decreased urination;

• rapid weight gain; or

• swelling in your arms or legs.

Also call your doctor right away if you have:

• fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);

• confusion, decreased consciousness;

• problems with vision, balance, or muscle movement;

• a seizure;

• fever, tiredness, night sweats;

• easy bruising or bleeding;

• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor;

• low magnesium--dizziness, irregular heartbeats, feeling jittery, muscle cramps, muscle spasms, cough or choking feeling; or

• low potassium--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling.

Common side effects of Trisenox may include:

• stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

• cough, sore throat, trouble breathing;

• fever, chills, tiredness, headache, joint pain;

• fast or irregular heartbeats;

• numbness or tingly feeling;

• low magnesium or potassium, high blood sugar;

• itching, rash;

• swelling;

• joint or muscle pain; or

• trouble sleeping.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Trisenox can cause a condition called differentiation syndrome, which affects blood cells and can be fatal if not treated. This condition may occur within 1 days to 2 months after you start taking this medicine.

Seek medical help right away if you have symptoms of differentiation syndrome: fever, dizziness, cough, trouble breathing, swelling, rapid weight gain, or decreased urination.

Trisenox can cause a serious heart problem. Your risk may be higher if you also use certain other medicines. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using.

Get emergency medical help if you have fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness.

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with Trisenox if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems, or a heart rhythm disorder;

• long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);

• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood);

• kidney disease; or

• liver disease.

Trisenox can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using Trisenox.

• If you are a woman, do not use Trisenox if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.

• If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.

• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using Trisenox.

It may be harder for you to get a woman pregnant while you are using this medicine. You should still use birth control to prevent pregnancy because the medicine can harm an unborn baby.

Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.

How is Trisenox given?

Trisenox is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

You may need frequent medical tests to be sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.

You may be given other medications to help prevent serious side effects or allergic reaction. Keep using these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

You must remain under the care of a doctor while you are using Trisenox.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while receiving Trisenox?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect Trisenox?

Trisenox can cause a serious heart problem. Your risk may be higher if you also use certain other medicines for infections, asthma, heart problems, high blood pressure, depression, mental illness, cancer, malaria, or HIV.

Other drugs may affect Trisenox, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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