Treatment for anthracycline extravasation injuries launched
A detoxifying agent for treating injuries which result from anthracycline extravasation has been launched in the UK.
Dexrazoxane (Savene), developed by Danish company TopoTarget, is given
in three consecutive daily doses, the first beginning within six hours
of anthracycline extravasation injury — a clinical accident where
a vesicant infusion leaks from the blood vessel into surrounding tissue
during administration causing necrotic damage.
The recommended dosage is 1,000mg/m2 on days 1 and 2, and 500mg/m2 on
day 3. Savene should be infused intravenously over 1–2 hours into
a large vein in an area other than that affected by extravasation.
The product is available as a powder for reconstitution with 25ml of
water for injections, which gives a dexrazoxane concentration of 20mg/ml.
Before infusion, the reconstituted solution should be further diluted
in the “Savene diluent” bags provided with the product. The
company warns that dexrazoxane is not effective against non-
anthracycline extravasation incidents.
Notice-board p479 |
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