This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.
Brand Names: US
Azedra Dosimetric [DSC]; Azedra Therapeutic [DSC]
What is this drug used for?
- It is used to treat a tumor on the adrenal gland called pheochromocytoma or another type of tumor called paraganglioma.
What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?
- If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.
- If your child has any of these health problems: Low white blood cell count, low platelet count, or low red blood cell count.
If your child is breast-feeding a baby:
- Be sure your child does not breast-feed a baby during treatment and for 80 days after the last dose.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.
Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?
- Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
- This drug may lower the ability of the bone marrow to make blood cells that the body needs. If blood cell counts get very low, this can lead to bleeding problems, infections, or anemia. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
- Your child may have more chance of getting infections. Have your child wash hands often. Avoid crowds and people with infections, colds, or flu.
- Your child may bleed more easily. Make sure your child is careful and avoids injury. Be sure your child has a soft toothbrush.
- There are many drugs that need to be stopped some time before your child gets this drug. These drugs may cause this drug to not work as well. These drugs can be started again 7 days after your child gets this drug. Check with your child’s doctor and pharmacist to see if any of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) interact with this drug.
- High blood pressure has happened with this drug. Have your child’s blood pressure checked as you have been told by the doctor.
- A drug to protect the thyroid gland will be given to your child. Give it to your child as you have been told. If this is not done, the chance of thyroid cancer later in life may be raised. Talk with the doctor.
- This drug is radioactive. You will need to follow what the doctor has told you to lessen being exposed to this drug.
- Rarely, a bone marrow problem called myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) has happened in patients treated with this drug. A type of leukemia has also rarely happened. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
- Other types of cancer may rarely happen later in life.
- If the patient is a child, use this drug with care. The risk of some side effects may be higher in children.
- This drug may affect fertility. Fertility problems may lead to your child not being able to get pregnant or father a child later in life. This may go back to normal but sometimes it may not. Talk with your child’s doctor.
- If your child is of childbearing age, a pregnancy test will need to be done before starting this drug to make sure your child is not pregnant.
If your child is or may be sexually active:
- This drug may cause harm to the unborn baby if your child takes it during pregnancy.
- If your child or your child’s partner may become pregnant, birth control must be used while taking this drug and for some time after the last dose. Ask the doctor how long birth control must be used. If your child or your child’s partner gets pregnant, call the doctor right away.
What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of infection like fever, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or wound that will not heal.
- Signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) like blood in the urine, burning or pain when passing urine, feeling the need to pass urine often or right away, fever, lower stomach pain, or pelvic pain.
- Signs of bleeding like throwing up or coughing up blood; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; blood in the urine; black, red, or tarry stools; bleeding from the gums; abnormal vaginal bleeding; bruises without a cause or that get bigger; or bleeding you cannot stop.
- Signs of low thyroid levels like constipation; not able to handle cold; memory problems; mood changes; or a burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
- Signs of high or low blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
- Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.
- Signs of dehydration like dry skin, mouth, or eyes; thirst; fast heartbeat; dizziness; fast breathing; or confusion.
- Chest pain or pressure, a fast heartbeat, or an abnormal heartbeat.
- Very bad dizziness or passing out.
- Swelling of belly.
- Some people have had lung problems with this drug. Sometimes, this has been deadly. Call your child’s doctor right away if your child has signs of lung problems like shortness of breath or other trouble breathing, cough that is new or worse, or fever.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:
- Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, upset stomach, throwing up, or decreased appetite.
- Dry mouth.
- Jaw pain.
- Heartburn.
- Mouth or throat pain or irritation.
- Swollen gland around the jaw.
- Feeling dizzy, tired, or weak.
- Pain where the shot was given.
- Sweating a lot.
- Hair loss.
- Signs of a common cold.
- Weight loss.
- Back pain.
- Pain in arms or legs.
- Headache.
- Change in taste.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Joint pain.
- Neck pain.
- Muscle spasm.
- Stuffy nose.
- Dry skin.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.
How is this drug best given?
Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- It is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.
- Have your child drink at least 2 liters (8 cups) of noncaffeine liquids starting at least 1 day before and for 1 week after each dose as your child’s doctor has told you.
- Other drugs may be given with this drug to help avoid side effects.
What do I do if my child misses a dose?
- This drug will be given in a health care setting.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
- The injection will be given to your child in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.
General drug facts
- If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
- Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.
Last Reviewed Date
2021-09-09
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