Doxorubicin

How do I say this name?

dox-oh-ROO-bi-sin

What is this medicine used for?

Doxorubicin kills cancer cells.

This medicine may be called by the brand names, Adriamycin^® and Rubex^®.

How do I take this medicine?

Doxorubicin is injected into the veins.

Are there any special things I should do while on this medicine?

Doxorubicin can decrease the number of white blood cells in your body, cells that usually help you fight infections. It can also decrease the number of cells in your blood that help your blood clot (platelets) and the number of red blood cells, cells that carry oxygen to your tissues. Without enough red blood cells, the tissues get less oxygen and you could become fatigued. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist how to reduce your risk of infection, excessive bleeding, or fatigue.

Tell the doctor or nurse right away if you have redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site. If doxorubicin leaks out of the vein it is injected into, it can damage the tissue and cause scarring.

Drink extra fluids while you are getting doxorubicin so you will urinate more and your kidneys will work well.

Doxorubicin may turn your urine a reddish color for 1-2 days after you get each dose. Although this is not blood, it may stain clothes and bedding.

What side effects are common with this medicine?

• Increased risk of infection for 10-14 days after therapy
• Increased risk of bleeding for 10-14 days after therapy
• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
• Reversible hair loss
• Reddish color in urine
• "Radiation recall" within 4-7 days of each dose (see symptom list below)
• Sores in mouth, throat, or on lips appearing 5-10 days after therapy
• Darkening of fingernails or toenails
• Reddening or darkening of skin on soles or palms

When should I call my doctor?

Call your doctor if you are worried about a side effect or have questions about your medical care.

Call the doctor at once if you have any of these side effects:

• Redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site
• Red streaks along injected vein
• Symptoms of infection:

  Cough, hoarseness, or sore throat

  Fever above 100.5° Fahrenheit, or chills

  Pain in lower back or side

  Painful or difficult urination

  Urinating more often than normal

• Symptoms of increased bleeding:

  Black, tarry stools

  Blood in urine

  Pinpoint red spots on skin

  Unusual bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, coughing up blood)

• Symptoms of heart failure:

  Fast or irregular heartbeat

  Shortness of breath or wheezing

  Swelling of feet and lower legs

Call the doctor as soon as you can if you have any of these side effects:

• Skin rash or itching
• Symptoms of "Radiation recall" reactions:

  Darkening or redness of skin where radiation therapy was given

  Blisters, sores, or peeling of skin where radiation therapy was given

Are there side effects from this medicine after I finish my chemotherapy?

Doxorubicin may cause side effects that do not occur for months or years after you finish chemotherapy, including leukemia or heart problems. Heart failure can occur in patients who get large doses of doxorubicin or similar chemotherapy drugs during their lifetime. The risk of heart failure is higher if you have chest radiation during your therapy. Discuss these long-term effects with your doctor if you are concerned.

These written patient information materials should be used in conjunction with verbal counseling. They are not intended as the sole source of information patients receive about their chemotherapy and other medications. The adverse effects listed are important and common ones that patients might experience; every possible adverse effect is not included. Long-term adverse effects, like secondary malignancy and infertility, are discussed for those drugs whose risk is well defined.