Doxorubicin (dox-oh-ROO-bi-sin)

(Adriamycin PFS®, Adriamycin RDF®, Adriamycin®, Doxil®, Rubex® )

Description: Doxorubicin hydrochloride is a red fluid given intravenously.

Ingredient: Doxorubicin Hydrochloride

Use: Doxorubicin is used to treat breast cancer and many other forms of cancer. It used to be called Adriamycin and may still be refered to by this name.

Warnings: Doxorubicin is an anthracycline antibiotic which is both mutagenic and carcinogenic.

Cardiac effects have been linked to the use of this medication. Anyone with a history of heart disease should not use this medication. Congestive heart failure and cardiopyopathy may be occur several weeks after discontinuing therapy. Early clinical diagnosis of drug induced heart failure is of the utmost importance.

Severe cardiac toxicity may occur quickly without ECG changes giving any warning. Tell your doctor or nurse if you experience any irregular heart beats, shortness of breath, or swelling of the ankles, feet or lower legs.

Doxorubicin is given intravenously - directly into your vein. If the drug accidentally leaks out of the vein, it may damage the tissue and cause complications and scarring. Tell the nurse right away if you feel stinging or burning in the vein, or notice redness, pain, or swelling at the place of injection.

Doxorubicin can cause lowering of your blood counts (white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets). Your doctor will check your blood counts before and after each treatment. Your doctor or nurse will give you specific instructions for lowered blood counts.

Doxorubicin can cause a decrease in your white blood cell count, especially 10-14 days after the drug is given. This can increase your risk of getting an infection. While you are being treated with doxorubicin, and after you stop treatment, do not get any vaccinations without your doctor's okay. Try to avoid contact with people who have recently taken the oral polio vaccine. Report fever of 100.5 F or higher, or signs of infection such as pain on urination, cough, or bringing up sputum.

Doxorubicin can cause a decrease in the platelet count. This can increase your risk of bleeding. DO NOT take any aspirin or aspirin-containing medicines. Report unusual bruising, or bleeding such as nose bleeds, bleeding gums, or black, tarry stools.

Side Effects: Hair follicles are damaged by this drug and you will probably experience hair loss. Talk to your medical care team about this. Many people cut their hair very short and get prepared with a wig and entertaining hats to cover up with until your own hair grows back. If your insurance does not cover a prophylactic head covering (a wig), there are probably other resources to help you.

Hair loss is temporary, and your hair will grow back after treatment although the color and texture may be slightly different. This side effect is often reported as one of the most difficult by survivors. Try to be emotionally prepared for it.

Doxorubicin can cause injury to the heart muscle when large total doses are given. Your doctor will do a MUGA scan or other heart function test before you receive your first treatment, and then during the treatment. This way, any damage can be found immediately. Discuss this with your health care professionals.

You may experience severe nausea and vomiting. Mucositis, irritation of the lining of your stomach and esophagus, may occur 5 - 10 days after your first dose. This can become severe and lead to ulceration and acute infections.

The dose regimen consisting of Doxorubicin on 3 consecutive days results in a greater incidence and severity of mucositis. Ulceration and necrosis of the colon, may lead to bleeding or severe infections which can be fatal. This reaction has been reported in a 3 day course of Diatech Doxorubicin combined with cytarabine. Anorexia and diarrhea have also been reported.

Doxorubicin can cause radiation recall which means it can recall skin damage from prior radiation therapy.

Let your doctor or nurse know if your skin gets red in areas where radiation was given. You may also notice a change in the pigmentation of you fingernails - it will go away when you finish the drug. Try to limit exposing your hands to the sun which seems to aggravate this side effect.

Watery eyes (lacrimation ) may occur during your treatment. Doxorubicin causes the urine to turn reddish color, which may stain clothes. This is not blood. It is normal and lasts for 1 to 2 days after each dose is given.

You may get sores in your mouth or on your lips. There are several remedies to ease this side effect. Speak to the doctor if this occurs.

If you notice any other side effects, check with your doctor.

References: Doxil Home Page | DOXORUBICIN (Systemic) | Adriamycin

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This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice. All treatment decisions should be made with your team of medical professionals and prescriptions must be given by your doctor. See TERMS AND CONDITIONS.