What is Doxil: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Jun 10, 2021

Doxil overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Doxil, Lipodox, Lipodox 50

Generic Names:

  • Doxorubicin Hcl Liposomal

Uses:

  • Treats cancer, including ovarian cancer, multiple myeloma, and Kaposi sarcoma.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antineoplastic Agent

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Doxil used for?

What form(s) does Doxil come in

  • Injectable

What are common Doxil doses?

  • Vial 25ML of 2MG/ML

Common Doxil prescriptions

  • Doxil
    10ml of 2mg/ml vial

  • Doxil
    25ml of 2mg/ml vial

How to take Doxil

  • Injection route: Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

  • Injection route: Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.

  • Injection route: You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

  • Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

What to do if you miss a dose of Doxil

Doxil contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to doxorubicin or if you are pregnant.

Doxil warnings

  • Injection routeThis medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control while you are receiving this medicine and for 6 months after treatment ends.

  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease or heart disease. Tell your doctor if you have received previous cancer medicine or radiation treatment.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Heart damageInfusion reaction, which may be life-threateningHand-foot syndromeCancer of the mouth

  • This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.

  • Your urine color may change to red or orange after you receive the injection. This is normal and nothing to worry about.

  • Injection routeCancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

Doxil interactions

  • Injection routeThis medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control while you are receiving this medicine and for 6 months after treatment ends.

  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease or heart disease. Tell your doctor if you have received previous cancer medicine or radiation treatment.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Heart damageInfusion reaction, which may be life-threateningHand-foot syndromeCancer of the mouth

  • This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.

  • Your urine color may change to red or orange after you receive the injection. This is normal and nothing to worry about.

  • Injection routeCancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Doxil side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Headache; dizziness; trouble breathing; warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest

  • Slow or uneven heartbeat, rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Redness, swelling, burning, or pain where the needle is placed

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, redness, numbness, pain, or swelling of the palms, hands, and bottoms of the feet

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches

  • Painful sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Reddish-orange urine or other body fluids

  • Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or vomiting

  • Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet