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Heart rhythm problems. Doxorubicin can cause serious heart rhythm problems that may lead to death. This can happen during your infusion, within a few hours after your infusion or anytime during treatment with Doxorubicin. Tell your healthcare provider if you get any symptoms of heart rhythm problems, such as feeling as if your heart is beating fast, irregular or slow, or you feel lightheaded, dizzy, short of breath, chest discomfort or you faint.

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Risk of new cancers. You may have an increased risk of developing certain blood cancers called acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) after treatment with Doxorubicin. Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk of developing new cancers if you receive Doxorubicin.

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Skin damage at or near the vein where Doxorubicin is given. Doxorubicin can damage the skin if it leaks out of the vein and might cause blisters, skin sores or severe tissue damage, which may require skin grafts. Tell your healthcare provider if you get burning or stinging during your infusion.

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Decreased blood cell counts. Doxorubicin can cause a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell important in fighting bacterial infections) and platelets (important for clotting and to control bleeding). This may lead to a serious infection, the need for blood transfusions, treatment in a hospital or death. Your healthcare provider will check your blood cell counts before each infusion and during treatment with Doxorubicin. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get a fever (temperature of 100.4°F or higher) or chills with shivering.

What is Doxorubicin?
Doxorubicin is a prescription medicine used to treat certain types of cancers. Doxorubicin may be used alone or along with other anti-cancer medicines.

Do not receive Doxorubicin if:

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you have had a recent heart attack (within the past 4 to 6 weeks) or have severe heart problems.

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your blood cell counts (platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells) are very low because of prior chemotherapy.

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you have severe liver problems.

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you have had a severe allergic reaction to Doxorubicin.

Before you receive Doxorubicin, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

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have heart problems including heart failure.

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are currently receiving radiation therapy or plan to receive radiation to the chest.

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have liver problems.

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have had an allergic reaction to doxorubicin.

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are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Doxorubicin can harm your unborn baby. You should not become pregnant during treatment with Doxorubicin. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

 

Females who are able to become pregnant:

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Your healthcare provider will check to see if you are pregnant before you start treatment with Doxorubicin.

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You should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with Doxorubicin and for 6 months after treatment.

 

Males:

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Doxorubicin can affect your sperm and could cause birth defects.

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If you have a female partner who can become pregnant, you should use effective birth control during treatment with Doxorubicin and for 3 months after treatment.

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If you have a pregnant partner, you should use condoms during treatment with Doxorubicin and for at least 10 days after the final dose.

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Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control methods that may be right for you.

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are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Doxorubicin can pass into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with Doxorubicin and for 10 days after the final dose. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during this time.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over‑the‑counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

How will I receive Doxorubicin?

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Doxorubicin will be given to you into your vein through an intravenous (IV) line.

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Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check for side effects during treatment with Doxorubicin.

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Your healthcare provider may stop your treatment, change the timing of your treatment, or change the dose of your treatment if you have certain side effects while receiving Doxorubicin.