Voraxaze

Voraxaze is used for the treatment of high methotrexate concentration in the blood in patients with severe kidney disease.

This medicine should only be given by or under the direct supervision of a doctor. This product is available in the following dosage forms:

• Powder for Solution

Your doctor will inform you of what you need to know before using Voraxaze. So, the benefits of a drug should always be weighed against its associated risks. Your doctor will consider these risks before prescribing the drug and will inform you about them.

Following factors should be considered before taking this drug:

Allergies: If you have had an allergic reaction to this drug in the past, inform your doctor. You should also tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any other drugs or food products.

Age-specific problems: The data regarding the effects of this medicine specific to the pediatric age group is not yet available. Its safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 1 month of age.

The studies specific to the geriatric age group have not been carried out, that would limit the use of this drug in old age group.

Pregnancy: Regarding the safety of usage of this drug during pregnancy, it comes under “C” category, which means that clinical trials on animals have revealed harmful effects to the developing fetus or relevant studies have not been performed.

Drug Interactions: Certain drugs should not be used together because they can interact inside the body which can have a harmful effect. On the other hand, certain drugs are allowed to be used together.

So, you should tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking. If there is a chance of interaction between those two drugs, the doctor may change the dose or may prescribe an alternative drug. It should not be used with leucovorin.

Furthermore, certain medications should not be taken with alcohol or tobacco, which may also result in harmful interactions. Ask your doctor about the concurrent use of this drug along with alcohol or tobacco.

You should also inform your doctor about any other medical condition you may be suffering from.

Proper usage of Voraxaze requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. This medication is administered intravenously by a nurse or a trained healthcare professional.

If you are using leucovorin, wait for at least 2 hours before or after injection of Voraxaze. Drink extra fluids in order to pass more urine while you are taking this medicine. This will keep your kidneys working well and help prevent kidney problems

In using Voraxaze, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor. Allergic reactions may occur during treatment with Voraxaze.

Check with your doctor right away if you have:

• a fever
• chills
• hives
• headache
• flushing of the face
• itching
• rash
• the tightness of the throat
• trouble breathing
• tingling or numbness sensation
• rash
• swelling of the face, tongue and throat
• chest pain after you receive the medicine

Regular follow-up is necessary during and after the treatment. It is important to allow your doctor to monitor your progress and to make sure that there aren’t any side effects from the medication.

Contact your doctor if your symptoms have not improved even after taking the full course of treatment. The doctor may order some blood tests in order to determine the blood levels of the drug.

Avoid taking any other medicine unless thoroughly discussed with your doctor. Always ask your doctor before using any prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicine.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Voraxaze. Although these side effects may occur only in a handful of patients but if they do occur, contact your physician immediately.

This medication is associated with following side effects:

• blurred vision
• sweating
• confusion
• the difficulty with swallowing
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• cough
• dizziness
• headache
• fever
• hives
• irritation
• hoarseness
• itching
• nervousness
• joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• pounding in the ears
• redness of the skin
• rash
• shortness of breath
• swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
• slow or fast heartbeat
• tightness in the chest
• wheezing
• troubled breathing or swallowing
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• nausea
• the feeling of warmth
• vomiting

Seek medical help instantly, if you experience any of these symptoms while on this medication. Also contact your health care professional immediately, if have overdosed on this drug.

If any of these side effects becomes more bothersome or does not go away, contact your doctor.