GENERIC NAME: DOXORUBICIN - INJECTION (dox-oh-REW-beh-sin)
BRAND NAME(S): Adriamycin, Rubex
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
WARNING: This medication must be given slowly and directly into a vein (IV) through other intravenous (IV) fluids. Do not inject this medication into the muscle (IM) or just beneath the skin (subcutaneously). If this medication accidentally leaks into surrounding tissue, the skin and/or muscle may be severely damaged. Notify the doctor immediately if redness, pain, or swelling occur at (or around) the injection site. Doxorubicin may cause heart problems (including heart failure) or bone marrow suppression. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop an irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing, swelling of the hands or feet, easy bruising or bleeding, dry cough, or signs of infection such as fever, unusual fatigue, or persistent sore throat. Heart problems may occur during therapy or sometimes, months to years after receiving this medication. The risk of developing heart problems varies depending on your dose and condition. Tell your doctor if you have liver problems since the dose should be decreased in this situation. Your doctor will closely monitor you while you are using this medication.
USES: Doxorubicin is one of a large group of drugs known as "antineoplastics"; these drugs are also known as cancer drugs, chemotherapy, or "chemo". They are used in the treatment of various cancers to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. A combination of different types of cancer drugs will often be used to achieve better results and minimize side effects.
HOW TO USE: This is a potent medication. Use it exactly as prescribed. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience pain, burning or redness at the place where injected. Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. This helps your kidneys to remove the drug from your body and avoid some of the side effects. Do not stop taking this medication, even if you feel nauseated or experience vomiting.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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