Drugs & Vitamins

Zanosar Active Ingredients: Streptozocin Representative Names: Zanosar What is streptozocin injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with streptozocin? What side effects may I notice from receiving streptozocin? What should I watch for while taking streptozocin? Where can I keep my medicine? What is streptozocin injection? (Back to top) STREPTOZOCIN (Zanosar®) is a chemotherapy used for treating cancer of the pancreas. Streptozocin interferes with the growth of rapidly dividing cells, like cancer cells, and eventually causes these cells to die. Generic streptozocin injections are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •bleeding problems or other blood disorders •dental disease •diabetes •infection (especially virus infection such as chickenpox or herpes) •kidney disease •liver disease •an unusual or allergic reaction to streptozocin, other chemotherapy, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Streptozocin is for injection or infusion into a vein. It is usually administered in a hospital or clinic setting by a health care professional. The injections can be given once daily for five consecutive days or once a week. Continue to receive doses at regular intervals unless instructed otherwise by your prescriber or health care professional. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) It is important not to miss a dose. Notify your prescriber or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment. What drug(s) may interact with streptozocin? (Back to top) •doxorubicin •phenytoin •vaccines •water pills (diuretics) Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving streptozocin? (Back to top) The side effects you may experience with streptozocin therapy depend upon the dose, other types of chemotherapy or radiation therapy given, and the disease being treated. Not all of these effects occur in all patients. Discuss any concerns or questions with your prescriber or health care professional. Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: low blood counts - rarely, streptozocin may decrease the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. You may be at increased risk for infections and bleeding. signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine signs of decreased platelets or bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine signs of decreased red blood cells - unusual weakness or tiredness, fainting spells, lightheadedness •dark yellow or brown urine •increase or decrease in the amount of urine passed •increased thirst •pain or difficulty passing urine •pain, swelling, redness or irritation at the injection site •sweating, tremor •unusual hunger •unusual tiredness or weakness •vomiting •weight loss •yellowing of the eyes or skin Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •confusion •depression •diarrhea •nausea •tiredness What should I watch for while taking streptozocin? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood checks. The side effects of streptozocin can continue after you finish your treatment; report side effects promptly. Nausea and vomiting can be severe; notify your health care professional if you experience continued or severe symptoms. Streptozocin may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon because streptozocin affects good cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects as above, but continue your course of medicine even though you feel ill, unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to stop. Streptozocin may decrease your body's ability to fight infections. Call your prescriber or health care professional if you have a fever, chills, sore throat or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat these symptoms yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick. Streptozocin may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your prescriber or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding. Be careful not to cut, bruise or injure yourself because you may get an infection and bleed more than usual. Streptozocin can change blood sugar levels. Symptons of low blood sugar include, anxiety, unusual hunger, dizziness or fainting, fast heartbeat, and confusion. Call your prescriber or health care professional at once if you get any of these side effects. If you are diabetic, monitor your blood sugar levels closely. Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick while receiving streptozocin because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are received streptozocin. Drink several glasses of water a day. This will help to reduce possible kidney and bladder problems. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how streptozocin may affect you. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are using streptozocin. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) This medicine is only given in a hospital or clinic setting; you will not keep this medicine at home. Last Updated:08/20/2001 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.