Zavedos 5mg Injection

About

Idarubicin is a potent anthracycline topoisomerase II inhibitor, primarily employed in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Its antineoplastic effects are multifaceted, involving several key mechanisms. Idarubicin intercalates into DNA, disrupting its structure and function. It also inhibits topoisomerase II, an enzyme crucial for DNA replication, transcription, and repair, thereby preventing proper DNA unwinding and re-ligation. Furthermore, idarubicin generates cytotoxic free radicals, which cause oxidative damage to cellular components, including DNA. These combined actions lead to extensive DNA damage, inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis, and ultimately, the induction of apoptosis in rapidly proliferating cancer cells. Administered intravenously, idarubicin is highly effective in inducing remission in acute leukemias, often used in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents like cytarabine. Due to its known cardiotoxicity, careful and regular monitoring of cardiac function is a critical aspect of patient management during and after treatment to mitigate potential adverse cardiac events.

Uses

• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
• Chronic myeloid leukemia (blast crisis)
• Myelodysplastic syndromes (high-risk)

Directions For Use

Administered intravenously by a healthcare professional. Dosage and schedule are determined by the physician.

Benefits

• Highly effective in inducing remission in acute leukemias.
• Key component in AML induction therapy.
• Can be used in combination with other chemotherapies.
• Demonstrated efficacy in refractory or relapsed leukemias.
• Potent cytotoxic activity against rapidly dividing cells.
• Well-established role in hematological malignancies.

Side Effects

• Myelosuppression (severe leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia)
• Cardiotoxicity (dose-dependent, cumulative)
• Nausea and vomiting (severe)
• Mucositis (stomatitis, esophagitis)
• Diarrhea
• Alopecia (complete)
• Red urine (due to drug excretion)
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Injection site reactions
• Hepatotoxicity
• Secondary malignancies (rare, long-term)

Safety Measures

• Alcohol - Avoid alcohol due to potential for increased gastrointestinal irritation and liver toxicity.
• Pregnancy - Contraindicated in pregnancy due to severe teratogenic potential. Use effective contraception.
• Breastfeeding - Not recommended during breastfeeding as it may be excreted in breast milk and harm the infant.
• Liver - Use with extreme caution in patients with hepatic impairment; dose reduction is necessary.
• Kidney - Use with caution in patients with renal impairment; dose reduction may be necessary.
• Lung - Rarely associated with pulmonary toxicity; monitor for new respiratory symptoms, especially with pre-existing conditions.

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