Zanosar

Generic name: streptozocin [ STREP-toe-zoe-sin ]
Drug class: Alkylating agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 22, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Zanosar?

Zanosar is used to treat pancreatic cancer.

Zanosar may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Zanosar can harm your liver or kidneys, and may also cause severe vomiting or diarrhea.

While receiving Zanosar, you should be able to get to a hospital or emergency room quickly in case you have a serious side effect. You may need frequent blood tests to make sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects.

Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;

• liver disease;

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; or

• bone marrow suppression.

Using Zanosar may increase your risk of developing other types of cancer, such as stomach cancer. Ask your doctor about your specific risk.

Zanosar may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using Zanosar.

How is Zanosar given?

Zanosar is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Zanosar can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. You will need frequent medical tests. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Zanosar.

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while receiving Zanosar?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how Zanosar will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using Zanosar, and avoid coming into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus could be passed on to you. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.

Zanosar side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Zanosar may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• little or no urinating, swelling, rapid weight gain;

• confusion, loss of appetite, vomiting, pain in your side or lower back;

• easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin;

• liver problems--stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

• low white blood cell counts--fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing.

Common side effects of Zanosar may include:

• nausea, vomiting; or

• swelling, redness, burning, or tenderness where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Zanosar?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• doxorubicin.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Zanosar, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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