GENERIC NAME: DOXORUBICIN W/LIPOSOMES (dox-oh-REW-beh-sin WITH LIP-oh-sohmz)

BRAND NAME(S): Doxil

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: This medication must be given slowly and directly into a vein (IV) after mixing with other intravenous fluids. Do not inject this medication into the muscle (IM) or just beneath the skin (SC). If this medication accidentally leaks into surrounding tissue, the skin and/or muscle may be severely damaged. Notify the doctor immediately if redness, pain, and swelling occurs 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. This medication may rarely cause severe, sometimes fatal allergic reactions during the infusion. See Side Effects section for details. Tell your doctor if you have liver problems since the dose should be decreased in this situation. Do not switch between different brands of this medication. They are not equal on a mg-per-mg basis. Your doctor will closely monitor you while you are using this medication.

USES: This anticancer medication is used to treat AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma or cancer of the ovaries.

HOW TO USE: This is administered by infusion into a vein over 30 minutes by a health care professional. It is usually given once every three weeks. The dose and frequency is based on your condition and response to previous therapy.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss or irritation at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: mouth sores, unusual bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, facial swelling, skin rash, peeling of the hands or feet. This medication can lower the body's ability to fight an infection. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as: fever, chills, persistent sore throat. This medication may rarely cause severe, even fatal allergic reactions during the infusion. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of these effects: headache, chills, flushing, swelling of the face, tightness in the chest or throat, back pain, trouble breathing, dizziness, fainting, unusually fast heartbeat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.