B-12 Dots and Trisenox

In the database of official manuals used in the service creation an interaction registered by statistical results of studies was found, which can either lead to negative consequences for the patient health or strengthen a mutual positive effect. A doctor should be consulted to address the issue of joint drug administration.

Arsenic trioxide can cause an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, and the risk may be increased during treatment with cyanocobalamin for severe anemia. As your body responds to the replenishment of vitamin B12, potassium from the blood is used to generate more red blood cells. This can lead to a condition known as hypokalemia, or low blood potassium. In severe cases, hypokalemia can cause irregular heart rhythm, as well as other problems such as muscle weakness, paralysis, and breathing and swallowing difficulties (due to muscle paralysis). Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. Let your doctor know if you experience nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal cramping, confusion, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, numbness, tingling, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, and/or swelling in the legs or feet, as these may be symptoms of hypokalemia. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

MONITOR: Arsenic trioxide can cause QT interval prolongation and complete atrioventricular block. Theoretically, use of arsenic trioxide during intensive vitamin B12 therapy for the treatment of megaloblastic anemia may potentiate the risk of cardiac arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia and torsade de pointes because of the hypokalemia that may develop during the early phase of vitamin B12 therapy due to increasing potassium requirements as normal erythropoiesis is established. Hypokalemia is a known risk factor for ventricular arrhythmias associated with QT interval prolongation.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised when arsenic trioxide is administered to patients requiring vitamin B12 for severe megaloblastic anemia. Serum electrolytes should be evaluated and any abnormalities corrected prior to initiating therapy with arsenic trioxide. During therapy, potassium concentrations should be kept above 4 mEq/dL.

B-12 Dots

Generic Name: cyanocobalamin

Brand name: B-12 Dots, Cobolin-M, Depo-Cobolin, Vitamin B12, Nascobal, Cobal 1000, Vitamin B-12

Synonyms: n.a.

What is B-12 Dots?

Trisenox

Generic Name: arsenic trioxide

Brand name: Trisenox

Synonyms: n.a.

What is Trisenox?