Zavedos Description

Zavedos is a chemotherapy drug that is prescribed to treat certain types of cancer, including advanced breast cancer and acute myeloid leukemia . Acute indicates this is a fast growing leukemia and it is essential to begin treatment immediately as it can spread to other parts of your body. Your oncologist may prescribe Zavedos to be taken in combination with other anticancer medicine to treat acute leukemia. Early detection with the right treatment plan can improve the odds of survival for many types of cancer.

How Zavedos Works on Cancer Cells

When taken as directed, the active ingredient in Zavedos called Idarubicin works three ways to stop the cancer cells;

1) Zavedos inserts itself into the strands of DNA inside the cancer cells, binding them together so the cells are unable to make DNA and proteins.

2) Zavedos blocks an enzyme called topoisomerase II, tangling up the cell’s genetic material so it’s unable to divide.

3) Zavedos also forms molecules called free radicals that are capable of damaging the cancer cells.

More Information About These Cancers

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) starts in the bone marrow where new blood cells are made. Some of these cells are abnormal and do not mature into healthy white blood cells. Cancer cells use the abnormal cells to their advantage and begin to use their own DNA in order to grow and produce more cancer cells. Bone pain, fever, bruising easily, and shortness of breath are all signs that there could be something wrong and you should see your physician.

Zavedos may be prescribed to treat advanced breast cancer when other treatments have not been effective. Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women. Breast cancer begins when abnormal cancerous cells in the breast grow and multiply without stopping, creating a tumor. Advanced breast cancer generally indicates that the cancer has metastasized or spread to other parts of the body. Advanced breast cancer is usually treated with systemic therapy that includes hormonal treatment, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.

Before You Take Zavedos

List all Rx medications and OTC drugs you are taking, including vitamin or herbal supplements as they may interfere with how Zavedos (Idarubicin) acts in your body. Discuss your medical history with your doctor so it can be decided if Zavedos is safe for you to take. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast-feeding as Zavedos may cause harm to your unborn or nursing baby.

Precautions and Recommendations for Zavedos

Zavedos lowers the number of white cells in your blood, increasing your chance of getting an infection. You can take precautions to reduce this risk by avoiding areas where people with infections may be, such as shopping malls, sporting events, and hospital waiting rooms. Let your doctor know if you think you are getting a sore throat or if you develop a high temperature.

Possible Side Effects of Zavedos

• Mouth sores
• Nose bleed/bleeding gums
• Cough
• Headache
• Diarrhea

Drugs Similar to Zavedos

• Aromasin
• Lanvis
• Rheumatrex