Doxorubicin

Doxorubicin
(dox-o-ROO-bih-sin)

Also Known As: Adriamycin®, “Adria”

How It Is Given:

Intravenously (by vein). The color of the solution is red.

Early Side Effects (beginning within one week) Can Include:

  • Damage to your skin if it leaks outside the vein into nearby tissue. Tell your nurse right away if you have any of these at the injection area while you are getting the drug:
    – Pain
    -Burning
    -Any change in sensation.
  • Itching, hives, or a red rash at the injection site and along the vein while the drug is being given. This goes away soon after the infusion of the drug is completed.
  • Pain at the injection site. Tell your nurse if you have any pain.
  • Nausea and vomiting, which can last for a few days.
  • Pink or red urine for 24 to 48 hours or longer after rhe treatment.
  • Mouth sores.

Late Side Effects (beginning after one week) Can Include:

  •  A temporary decrease in blood cell counts one to two weeks after treatment. White blood cells and platelets are mostly affected.
  • Thinning or loss of hair. Your hair will grow back when your treatment is done.
  • This drug can cause damage to the heart muscle, but your doctor and nurse will be checking for this.
  • Skin redness in an area that received radiation.
  • Early menopause for women.

Special Points:

  • This medicine can have a bad effect on an unborn child. Ask your doctor or nurse about the type of birth control you should use. Tell your doctor immediately if you think you or your partner might be pregnant.
  • This medicine can decrease your ability to have a child. It can affect both men and women. Discuss this with your doctor before you start treatment.
  • Take your antinausea medicine the way your nurse told you.
  • Protect your skin from the sun. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and a hat if possible. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater when in the sun.
  • Aspirin, ibuprofen, and vitamin E can cause bleeding problems. Do not take medicine that has them unless your doctor says it is okay. Your nurse will give you a fact card that tells you what drugs you cannot take and what you can use instead.
  • Tell your doctor or nurse if you are taking any other medicines, including:
    -Medicines that do and do not require a prescription.
    – Herbal remedies.
    -Vitamins.
    – Dietary supplements.
    Some of these may change the way your chemotherapy works. Also let your doctor know of any change in your medicines, especially for your heart and blood pressure.

Call Your Doctor or Nurse If You:

  • Have a fever of 100.4° F {38° C) or higher.
  • Have pain, redness, swelling, or blistering near the injection site.
  • Develop mouth sores.
  • Get short of breath or have difficulty breathing.
  • Notice swelling in your feet or legs, or in general.
  • Get tired very easily while doing things.
  • Have any sign of bleeding. This includes:
    – Black bowel movements.
    -Bruising.
    – Faint red rash.
    – Other signs of bleeding.
  • Have any unexpected, unexplained problems.
  • Have any questions or concerns.

The information on rhis card is selective and does not cover all possible side effects; others may occur. Please reporr any problems to your doctor.