Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Amsa (Amsacrine).
Blood clotting: Amsa (Amsacrine) can reduce the number of platelet cells in the blood. Platelets help the blood to clot, and a shortage could make you bleed more easily. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any signs that your blood is not clotting as quickly as usual. Such symptoms may include black and tarry stools, blood in the urine, easy bruising, or cuts that won't stop bleeding. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells in your blood.
Gout and Kidney Stones: Amsa (Amsacrine) may increase the levels of uric acid in the body, further increasing the risk for gout or kidney stones in people predisposed to these conditions. People with gout or a history of gout should discuss with their doctor how Amsa (Amsacrine) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Amsa (Amsacrine), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Report any unusual joint pain or swelling to your doctor as soon as possible.
Heart disease: Amsa (Amsacrine) can cause heart problems or abnormal heart rhythms in some people. People with low potassium levels, or those treated previously with other cancer medications called anthracyclines are more at risk for these problems. People with heart conditions or a history of heart problems should discuss with their doctor how Amsa (Amsacrine) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Amsa (Amsacrine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Infection: In addition to killing cancer cells, Amsa (Amsacrine) can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). If possible, avoid contact with people who have contagious infections. Tell your doctor immediately if you begin to notice the signs of an infection such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells in your blood.
Kidney function: People with impaired kidney function or Kidney Disease may experience increased side effects from Amsa (Amsacrine). People with kidney problems should discuss with their doctor how Amsa (Amsacrine) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Amsa (Amsacrine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: People with impaired liver function or liver disease may experience increased side effects from Amsa (Amsacrine). People with liver problems should discuss with their doctor how Amsa (Amsacrine) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Amsa (Amsacrine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: There are no adequate studies of use of Amsa (Amsacrine) by pregnant women. Amsa (Amsacrine) should not be taken during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Amsa (Amsacrine), contact your doctor immediately. Discuss reliable birth control with your doctor to avoid the possibility of pregnancy during treatment with Amsa (Amsacrine).
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Amsa (Amsacrine) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Amsa (Amsacrine), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Seniors: The safety and effectiveness of using Amsa (Amsacrine) have not been established for seniors.
