Zanosar

 
Generic Name: streptozocin

Brands: Zanosar

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What is the most important information I should know about Zanosar?

· Zanosar should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

· Serious side effects have been reported with the use of Zanosar including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); kidney damage (little or no urine production, blood in the urine); liver problems (changes in blood test results, abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, decreased appetite, nausea); decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; or fever, chills, or signs of infection); severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; secondary cancers; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with Zanosar.

· Treatment with Zanosar may cause drowsiness or confusion. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities if drowsiness or confusion occurs.

 

What is Zanosar?

· Zanosar is an antineoplastic medication. Zanosar interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

· Zanosar is used to treat cancer of the pancreas.

· Zanosar may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Zanosar?

· Do not use Zanosar without first talking to your doctor if you have     ·kidney disease;     ·liver problems;     ·bleeding or blood clotting problems; or     ·poor bone marrow function.

· The use of Zanosar may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Zanosar is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that Zanosar is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use Zanosar without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Discuss with your doctor the appropriate use of birth control during treatment with Zanosar if necessary.

· It is not known whether Zanosar passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding should be avoided during treatment with Zanosar.

 

How should I use Zanosar?

· Zanosar should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

· Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with Zanosar, depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.

· Zanosar is usually administered as an intravenous (into a vein) injection.

· Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with Zanosar to monitor progress and side effects.

· Your healthcare provider will store Zanosar as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing Zanosar at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of Zanosar.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· If an overdose of Zanosar is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

· Symptoms of a Zanosar overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe.

 

What should I avoid while using Zanosar?

· Zanosar can lower the activity of your immune system making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with Zanosar. In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you.

· Treatment with Zanosar may cause drowsiness or confusion. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities if drowsiness or confusion occurs.

 

What are the possible side effects of Zanosar?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects from Zanosar, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention:     ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);     ·kidney damage (little or no urine production, blood in the urine);     ·liver problems (changes in blood test results, abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, decreased appetite, nausea);     ·decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; or fever, chills, or signs of infection); or     ·severe nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or diarrhea.

· In some cases, secondary cancers have been reported to occur during and following treatment with Zanosar. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking Zanosar and talk to your doctor if you experience:     ·mild nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or diarrhea;     ·drowsiness;     ·confusion;     ·depression; or     ·swelling, redness, burning, or tenderness at the injection site.

· Side effect other than those listed here have also been reported. Discuss with your doctor any side effect that occurs during treatment with Zanosar.

 

What other drugs will affect Zanosar?

· Do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment with Zanosar. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous during treatment with Zanosar.

· Other medications may interact with Zanosar. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, during treatment with Zanosar.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your healthcare provider may have additional information about Zanosar that you may read.

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