Dexrazoxane Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 15, 2024.

Applies to dexrazoxane: intravenous powder for solution.

Serious side effects of dexrazoxane

Along with its needed effects, dexrazoxane may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking dexrazoxane:

More common

• bluish color
• changes in skin color
• chest pain or tightness
• chills
• cold hands and feet
• cough
• fever
• hoarseness
• lower back or side pain
• pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg
• painful or difficult urination
• pale skin
• sneezing
• sore throat
• swelling of the hands, ankles, feet, or lower legs
• tenderness
• trouble breathing
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

• black, tarry stools
• chest discomfort
• fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
• pain at the injection site
• ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth

Other side effects of dexrazoxane

Some side effects of dexrazoxane may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• blurred or double vision
• diarrhea
• difficulty having a bowel movement
• difficulty in swallowing
• difficulty in walking
• discouragement
• dizziness
• drooping eyelids
• fainting
• feeling sad or empty
• hair loss
• headache
• heartburn
• irritability
• jaw pain
• lack or loss of appetite
• lightheadedness
• loss of interest or pleasure
• muscle pain, spasms, cramps, or stiffness
• nausea
• numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes
• pain in the fingers and toes
• pain in the testicles
• pain or burning in the throat
• pain or redness at the site of injection
• pale skin at the site of injection
• rapid, shallow breathing
• stomach pain
• swelling or inflammation of the mouth
• thinning of the hair
• trouble concentrating
• trouble sleeping
• vomiting
• weight loss

Less common

• hives, welts, itching
• redness of the skin

For healthcare professionals

Applies to dexrazoxane: intravenous powder for injection.

General

Adverse events reported are from clinical trials where patients were also receiving chemotherapy while on this drug, and reflect the combination of this drug, already administered chemotherapy, and the patients underlying condition.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (77%), vomiting (59%), stomatitis (34%), diarrhea (21%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, constipation, esophagitis, dysphagia^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Decreased white blood count (73%), decreased neutrophils (61%) decreased hemoglobin (43%), decreased platelets (23%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Anemia^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Alopecia (up to 100%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Streaking/erythema, urticaria^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Injection site pain/discomfort (16%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Injection site phlebitis, extravasation^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Neurotoxicity (17%), dizziness (11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Headache^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Very common (10% or more): Increased AST (28%), increased ALT (22%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Increased LDH, increased alkaline phosphatase^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Anorexia (42%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Increased calcium total, decreased sodium^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Very common (10% or more): Infection (23%), sepsis (17%), postoperative infection (16%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pneumonia^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fever (34%), fatigue (61%), pain on injection (13%), edema peripheral (10%)^[Ref]

Renal

• Very common (10% or more): Increased creatinine (14%)^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Cardiac disorders, phlebitis, hemorrhage^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Depression, insomnia^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Dyspnea, cough^[Ref]

Further information

Dexrazoxane side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer