Are you a healthcare professional? Join GoodRx for HCPs

dexrazoxane

Generic Zinecard

Used for Chemotherapy Side Effects

Dexrazoxane is an injectable medication used to protect against heart damage caused by doxorubicin (Adriamycin) treatment in females with breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. In some instances, it can also treat extravasation (skin damage) caused by anthracycline chemotherapy medications when they leak out of the vein during infusion.

Reviewed by:

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Daisy Chau, PharmD

Last reviewed on July 24, 2022

Basics FAQs Interactions Images Prices Medicare

What is Dexrazoxane?

What is Dexrazoxane used for?

Leakage of anthracycline chemotherapy from the vein into surrounding tissues (Toltect only)
Preventing and reducing severity of thickening of the heart muscle associated with doxorubicin (Adriamycin)

How Dexrazoxane works

Are you looking for information on deferoxamine (Desferal) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsTotect

Drug ClassChemoprotectant

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusLower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

Frequently asked questions about Dexrazoxane

When is dexrazoxane considered to be used?

Dexrazoxane is used to prevent or reduce thickening of the heart muscle caused by doxorubicin (Adriamycin) treatment in females with breast cancer that's spread to other parts of the body. And they must also have already received a certain lifetime dose of doxorubicin (Adriamycin) and will continue to receive doxorubicin (Adriamycin). Additionally, the brand name Totect has been FDA approved to treat extravasation of anthracycline chemotherapy leaking from the injection site.

How will I know if my chemotherapy is leaking out of my vein?

Sometimes medications cause extravasation, or leaking out of the vein while they're being injected. This can cause damage to the skin and tissue around the injection site. Common signs of anthracycline chemotherapy leaks include pain, redness, stinging, burning sensation, and swelling around the site of injection. If you experience any of these symptoms, let your provider know right away. Your provider might apply a cold pack every few hours to tighten the blood vessels in the affected area. This can help lessen the chemotherapy spreading further and causing more damage. Dexrazoxane is an option to treat extravasation if the cause is from an anthracycline chemotherapy medication.

How does dexrazoxane work?

The way dexrazoxane works isn't fully known. It's thought to interfere with the production of free radicals in the heart and skin tissue caused by anthracycline chemotherapy medications like doxorubicin (Adriamycin). Free radicals are unstable chemicals that can damage the body, including the heart muscle and skin tissue cells.

How is dexrazoxane given?

Your provider will calculate the dose of dexrazoxane based on your health conditions and your body surface area (BSA), which takes into account your weight and height. It's given by a trained healthcare provider through the vein (intravenous, IV). To treat extravasation, Totect is given IV as soon as possible over 1 to 2 hours once a day for 3 days in a row. To prevent and reduce the severity of thickening of the heart muscle from doxorubicin (Adriamycin), your provider will take into account how much doxorubicin (Adriamycin) you received to determine your dose of dexrazoxane. Typically, dexrazoxane is given IV right before your dose of doxorubicin (Adriamycin).

What are the side effects of dexrazoxane?

Since dexrazoxane was studied in people who were also receiving chemotherapy and had certain health conditions, it's difficult to know which side effects are caused by it alone. Some common side effects people reported during studies include fever, pain at the injection site, feeling tired, swelling in the arms and legs, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, infection, dizziness, and hair loss. If you experience any side effects after receiving dexrazoxane, let your provider know.

Are there any serious risks of taking dexrazoxane?

Dexrazoxane has been associated with some important risks you should know about. It might add to lowered blood counts caused by chemotherapy, which can raise your risk of infection. Your provider will monitor your labs while you're receiving this medication. Also, this medication can cause harm to unborn babies. It's recommended to use birth control during treatment and for 3 months (males) or 6 months (females) after your last dose to prevent pregnancy. Dexrazoxane can also cause a serious allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis. Get medical help right away if you experience a rash, trouble breathing, or swelling in your lips, tongue, or throat.

How to save using GoodRx

1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.

2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.

3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.

Get free coupon Learn more

Interactions between Dexrazoxane and other drugs

Dexrazoxane may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Dexrazoxane. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Dimethyl Sulfoxide

Dexrazoxane images

This medicine is White Vial.white - Dexrazoxane 250mg Powder for Injection

Get savings updates for Dexrazoxane

Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Dexrazoxane and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

By providing your email, you consent to receive marketing communications from GoodRx, which may include content and/or data related to men’s health, women's health, reproductive care, or sexual health. You agree to the GoodRx Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.