Frequently asked questions about TRISENOX
If you are considering therapy with TRISENOX
® (arsenic trioxide) injection, you may have the following questions:
- What is TRISENOX?
- Why has my physician recommended treatment with TRISENOX?
- Isn't TRISENOX a form of arsenic?
- Why is TRISENOX safe compared to naturally occurring arsenic?
- How can TRISENOX help treat my cancer?
- What can I expect TRISENOX to do for me?
- How is TRISENOX given?
- What side effects are possible with the use of TRISENOX?
- Will my doctor and nurse monitor my treatment for any side effects?
- Will TRISENOX affect my daily life?
- Will TRISENOX interfere with my other medications?
- What about vitamins, herbs, or natural remedies? Will TRISENOX interact with them?
- Will I need someone to accompany me when I go for treatment?
- Is TRISENOX covered by my insurance?
- Where can I get more information about TRISENOX?
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about TRISENOX:
1. What is TRISENOX?
TRISENOX (TRI'-sen-ahks) is an anticancer drug that is effective against acute promyelocytic
leukemia (APL).
- TRISENOX is considered the standard of care and is indicated in patients with APL who are refractory to, or have relapsed from, retinoid and anthracycline chemotherapy
- TRISENOX has been found to be safe and effective when used appropriately by doctors and nurses experienced in the treatment of cancer
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2. Why has my physician recommended treatment with TRISENOX?
- In clinical trials, TRISENOX was found to be highly effective in the treatment of relapsed or refractory APL
- Your doctor believes that TRISENOX can be helpful to you
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3. Isn't TRISENOX a form of arsenic?
- Arsenic is a naturally occurring substance that has been used in medicine for more than 2,000 years
- TRISENOX is a form of arsenic known as "arsenic trioxide"
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved TRISENOX as a cancer medicine because clinical trials conducted at cancer centers proved that it is safe and effective when used correctly
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4. Why is TRISENOX safe compared to naturally occurring arsenic?
- When used at the right dose and given in the right way, TRISENOX is a safe and effective cancer treatment
- TRISENOX is given over time at a carefully measured rate
- The arsenic trioxide in TRISENOX is manufactured under controlled conditions
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5. How can TRISENOX help treat my cancer?
TRISENOX seems to work against cancer in different ways:
- TRISENOX can cause cancer cells to die
- TRISENOX can keep cancer cells from multiplying and growing
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6. What can I expect TRISENOX to do for me?
The goal of treatment with TRISENOX is to eliminate or reduce the number of cancer cells in the body.
- Some patients treated with TRISENOX have no evidence of cancer cells after treatment, indicating a complete response
- Other patients may have a reduction in the number of cancer cells or reduced symptoms of cancer
- Some patients will have no response to this treatment
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7. How is TRISENOX given?
You will receive TRISENOX as an outpatient; your doctor or nurse will administer it by infusion.
- Each TRISENOX treatment is usually infused over 1 to 2 hours
- If you experience certain side effects, the infusion may be slowed down
- If this occurs, the infusion can take as long as 4 hours to complete
- Your doctor or nurse will tell you how often and for how long you will receive TRISENOX
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8. What side effects are possible with the use of TRISENOX?
Three potentially serious side effects have occurred in patients using TRISENOX, although they
rarely required therapy to be stopped:
APL differentiation syndrome: Symptoms include fever, sudden weight gain, labored breathing,
and accumulation of fluid in the lungs, heart, and chest. This syndrome is managed by immediate
treatment with high-dose corticosteroids and diuretics.
Hyperleukocytosis: An unusual increase in the number of white blood cells (disease-fighting
cells) in the blood. Your physician will continue to monitor you should you develop this condition.
QT interval prolongation: An increase in the time it takes the heart to relax between beats.
If extreme, this prolongation has the potential to cause fainting or more serious side effects.
In general, side effects associated with TRISENOX cease after treatment is stopped, and toxicities
are manageable if properly monitored and treated when necessary. In addition to QT interval
prolongation, the most common drug-related side effects included leukocytosis, gastrointestinal
events (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain), fatigue, swelling, hyperglycemia (an
abnormal increased content of sugar in the blood), shortness of breath, cough, rash or itching,
headaches, and dizziness. Have your healthcare practitioner review the side effects described in
the BOXED WARNING for this product.
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9. Will my doctor and nurse monitor my treatment for any side effects?
Your team of nurses and physicians will be monitoring you during your treatment with TRISENOX. In
general, side effects associated with TRISENOX cease after treatment is stopped. If they do occur,
typically no interruption of therapy is needed. Side effects are manageable if properly monitored
and treated.
- You may be asked to weigh yourself every day during the first few weeks of TRISENOX therapy and to report any increases in weight right away. You may also be asked to report any fever, shortness of breath, or fainting
- Your medical team will perform tests called electrocardiograms (ECGs) during treatment to monitor any changes in heart rhythm
- Your doctor will also check your blood frequently and may prescribe daily doses of magnesium or potassium if your blood shows that you have low levels of electrolytes
Remember, your medical team will perform frequent laboratory tests to be certain that TRISENOX can
be continued safely, to look for side effects, and to monitor the effects that cancer is having on
your body.
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10. Will TRISENOX affect my daily life?
- Based on your treatment plan, the frequency of your doctor visits and the extent of monitoring for side effects may vary
- You may have some mild nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, vomiting, or rash during or shortly after administration of TRISENOX
- In clinical trials, patients taking TRISENOX did not experience hair loss
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11. Will TRISENOX interfere with my other medications?
- Studies of TRISENOX taken with other common medications have not been done, but some information is available
- Tell your doctor all of the medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, and any vitamins or herbal supplements you are taking
- Your doctor will monitor your condition very closely, especially if you are taking any drugs that affect your heart
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12. What about vitamins, herbs, or natural remedies? Will TRISENOX interact with them?
- Because very little information is available about the possible side effects and interactions of natural remedies, such as Ginkgo Biloba or St. John's Wort, your doctor may suggest you stop taking them during therapy
- Some herbs can affect electrolyte levels or cause diarrhea, and potentially increase the chances of side effects with TRISENOX
- You may be able to continue to take your vitamins, but you should discuss this with your doctor to be sure
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13. Will I need someone to accompany me when I go for treatment?
- If you are being treated as an outpatient, you can drive yourself to treatment
- If you have a particularly long drive, however, you might find you are tired after treatment
- As a precaution, it is a good idea to let your family or friends know that you might need their help to get to and from the treatment center
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14. Is TRISENOX covered by my insurance?
CORE (Cephalon Oncology Reimbursement Expertise) provides you and your physician with personalized
assistance with reimbursement issues. CORE reimbursement consultants are available Monday through
Friday, from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm Eastern Time to help with:
- Benefit verification and coverage
- Policy benefits and limitations
- Pre-certifications
- Drug and services coding information
- Coverage guidelines and claim requirements of payors
- Support throughout the entire claims process
- Requested information needed to support claims submission
- Appeal support
For more information, visit
www.CephalonOncologyCORE.com or contact the CORE Hotline toll-free
at
1-866-261-7730.
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15. Where can I get more information about TRISENOX?
COPE (Cephalon Oncology Patient Education) provides you with comprehensive educational materials
that offer support and encourage communication between you and your healthcare team.
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>> Click here to access and download helpful information about APL and treatment with TRISENOX.