Indications and Usage

Arsenic trioxide is FDA approved:

• For induction of remission and consolidation in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) who are refractory to, or have relapsed from, retinoid and anthracycline chemotherapy, and whose APL is characterized by the presence of the t(15;17) translocation or PML/RARA gene expression.
• In combination with tretinoin for the treatment of adults with newly-diagnosed low-risk acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) whose APL is characterized by the presence of the t(15;17) translocation or the PML/RARA gene expression.

Side effects needing medical attention

Chills; convulsions (seizures); cough; confusion; decreased urine output; dry mouth; eye pain; general feeling of illness; headache; increased thirst; irregular heartbeat; joint pain; loss of appetite; mood changes; muscle pain or cramps; nausea or vomiting; numbness or tingling in hands, feet or lips; shortness of breath or trouble breathing; sore throat; unusual tiredness or weakness; diarrhea; acid or sour stomach; back pain; bloating or swelling of face, hands, lower legs and/or feet; bone pain; constipation; flushing; heavy (nonmenstrual) vaginal bleeding; itchy, red skin; injection site pain, redness or swelling; itching; limb pain; depression; neck pain; nosebleeds; pale skin; chills; trouble sleeping or getting to sleep; weight gain.  

For information on how to manage the costs of drug therapy, please see Financial Support, or to speak with an Information Specialist, call (800) 955-4572.