What is Doxorubicin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Doxorubicin

• Do not get the medicine on your skin. If it does, wash the area well with soap and water, and tell your caregiver.

• If you feel stinging or burning in your skin where the needle is placed, tell your caregiver right away. Apply ice to the skin for 15 minutes, 4 times each day, to relieve pain or swelling, Do this for 3 days. Tell your doctor if you have blisters, sores, or other skin changes where the needle was placed.

• Drink extra fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Injection routeThis 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.

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

• Injection routeYou 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.

• The medicine is usually given once every 21 to 28 days.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Drink extra fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems.

• The medicine is usually given once every 21 to 28 days.

• If you feel stinging or burning in your skin where the needle is placed, tell your caregiver right away. Apply ice to the skin for 15 minutes, 4 times each day, to relieve pain or swelling, Do this for 3 days. Tell your doctor if you have blisters, sores, or other skin changes where the needle was placed.

• Injection routeYou 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.

• Injection routeThis 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.

• Do not get the medicine on your skin. If it does, wash the area well with soap and water, and tell your caregiver.

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

• Injection routeMedicines 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.

What to do if you miss a dose of Doxorubicin

Doxorubicin contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive this medicine if you had an allergic reaction to doxorubicin, are pregnant, or have had a recent heart attack.

Doxorubicin 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 during treatment and for 6 months after the last dose of this medicine.

• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, heart disease, or blood or bone marrow problems (myelosuppression). Tell your doctor if you have received other cancer medicine or radiation treatment.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Heart damage, including heart failure (may be permanent)Heart rhythm problemHigher risk of new cancersSkin damage near the injection siteTumor lysis syndrome

• Oral routeThis medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children. This medicine may also cause premature menopause.

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

Doxorubicin interactions

• Some foods and medicines can affect how doxorubicin works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following:St John's wortMercaptopurineCyclophosphamide, paclitaxel, , trastuzumabPhenobarbital, phenytoinVerapamil

• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, heart disease, or blood or bone marrow problems (myelosuppression). Tell your doctor if you have received other cancer medicine or radiation treatment.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Heart damage, including heart failure (may be permanent)Heart rhythm problemHigher risk of new cancersSkin damage near the injection siteTumor lysis syndrome

• Oral routeThis medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children. This medicine may also cause premature menopause.

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.