Patient Information DOXORUBICIN (dok-suh-roo-buh-sin) HYDROCHLORIDE injection, for intravenous use |
What is the most important information I should know about Doxorubicin? Doxorubicin may cause serious side effects including: |
| - extreme tiredness or weakness
- shortness of breath
| - fast heartbeat
- swelling of your feet and ankles
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| Your healthcare provider will do tests to check the strength of your heart muscle before, during, and after your treatment with Doxorubicin. |
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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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:- you have had a recent heart attack (within the past 4 to 6 weeks) or have severe heart problems.
- your blood cell counts (platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells) are very low because of prior chemotherapy.
- you have severe liver problems.
- you have had a severe allergic reaction to Doxorubicin.
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Before you receive Doxorubicin, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: 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?- Doxorubicin will be given to you into your vein through an intravenous (IV) line.
- Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check for side effects during treatment with Doxorubicin.
- 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.
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What are the possible side effects of Doxorubicin? Doxorubicin may cause serious side effects, including: |
The most common side effects of Doxorubicin include:- total hair loss (alopecia). Your hair may re-grow after your treatment.
- nausea
- vomiting
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Other side effects: |
- Red colored urine. You may have red colored urine for 1 to 2 days after your infusion of Doxorubicin. This is normal. Tell your healthcare provider if it does not stop in a few days, or if you see what looks like blood or blood clots in your urine.
- Call your healthcare provider if you have severe symptoms that prevent you from eating or drinking, such as:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- mouth pain or sores
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Doxorubicin may cause fertility problems in males. This could affect your ability to father a child. Talk to your healthcare provider if this is a concern for you. |
Doxorubicin may cause fertility problems in females. Your periods (menstrual cycle) may completely stop when you receive Doxorubicin. Your periods may or may not return following treatment. Early menopause has also happened. Talk to your healthcare provider if this is a concern for you. These are not all of the possible side effects of Doxorubicin. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. |
General information about the safe and effective use of Doxorubicin. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about Doxorubicin that is written for health professionals. |
What are the ingredients in Doxorubicin? Active ingredient: doxorubicin hydrochloride Inactive ingredients for Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection: sodium chloride, and hydrochloric acid, USP. Distributed by Pfizer Labs Division of Pfizer, Inc. New York, NY 10017
PREMIERProRx® is a registered trademark of Premier Healthcare Alliance, L.P., used under license. LAB-0703-3.0 For more information, call 1-800-438-1985 or visit www.pfizer.com |