Arsenic trioxide Injection 1mg/ mL - Life Care Drugs and Medicines

💊 Medicine Name:

Arsenic Trioxide

💉 Formulation:

Injection, Intravenous (IV) use

💪 Strength:

1 mg/mL
(typically available in a 10 mL vial = total 10 mg per vial)

📜 Description:

Arsenic trioxide is a cytotoxic agent used mainly in the treatment of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL). It induces apoptosis and partial differentiation of malignant promyelocytes, especially in patients with the t(15;17) translocation involving the PML-RARα fusion gene.

🧾 Prescription:

Prescription-only medicine (Rx)
Administered only under specialist supervision (typically hematologist/oncologist).

⚙️ Mechanism of Action:

Promotes apoptosis of leukemia cells.
Causes degradation of the PML-RARα fusion protein, correcting the abnormal block in differentiation.
Has pro-differentiation and cytotoxic effects depending on dose.

🎯 Indications / Uses:

Primarily used for:

Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL):
- Newly diagnosed, low- to intermediate-risk APL (in combination with ATRA).
- Relapsed or refractory APL, especially after failure of retinoids and anthracyclines.

📦 Common Packaging:

10 mL vial containing 1 mg/mL of arsenic trioxide.
Single-dose vial.
Labeled as a cytotoxic drug – handle with gloves and proper precautions.

💉 Dosage & Administration:

Administered intravenously (IV) over 1–2 hours.
Typical initial dose (induction phase):
0.15 mg/kg/day until remission (up to 60 doses).
Followed by consolidation cycles (e.g., 25 doses over 5 weeks).
Diluted in 100–250 mL of 5% dextrose or saline before administration.
Central line recommended to minimize vein irritation.

🧊 Storage:

Store at 15–30°C (room temperature).
Protect from light and freezing.
Use immediately after opening – single-use vial.

⚠️ Precautions:

QT prolongation → Risk of life-threatening arrhythmias (Torsades de Pointes):
- Monitor ECG, potassium, magnesium levels.
Monitor liver function, renal function, electrolytes, and blood counts.
Risk of differentiation syndrome:
- Fever, weight gain, respiratory distress, pulmonary infiltrates, effusions.
- Treated with dexamethasone.

👨‍⚕️ Patient Advice:

You will need regular blood tests and heart monitoring (ECG).
Report:
- Chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath
- Swelling, sudden weight gain, or difficulty breathing
Avoid other drugs that prolong the QT interval.
Maintain adequate hydration.
Female patients must avoid pregnancy; use effective contraception.