What is Ellence? Uses, warnings & side effects

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Jan 27, 2022

Ellence overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Ellence, epiRUBicin HCl Novaplus

Generic Names:

  • Ellence

Uses:

  • Treats breast cancer.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antineoplastic Agent

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Ellence used for?

Ellence is an anticancer medication that is used to treat breast cancer. This chemotherapy medication reduces the growth of cancer cells within the body to allow the patient to live a longer life. o live a longer life.

What form(s) does Ellence come in?

  • Injectable

What are common Ellence dosages?

  • Vial 25ML of 50MG/25ML

Ellence images - What does Ellence look like?

  • Ellence
    100ml of 200mg/100ml vial

  • Ellence
    25ml of 50mg/25ml vial

How to take Ellence

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

  • Missed dose: 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.

What to do if you miss a dose of Ellence

Ellence contraindications - Who shouldn't take Ellence?

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

Ellence 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. If you are a woman who can bear children, your doctor may give you a pregnancy test before starting this medicine to make sure you are not pregnant. You should use effective birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Male patients who have female partners should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose. Male patients with pregnant partners should use condoms during treatment and for at least 7 days after the last dose.

  • Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 7 days after your last dose.

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart or blood vessel disease, heart rhythm problems, heart failure, a recent heart attack, gout, or any type of infection.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems: Heart problemsIncreased risk of leukemiaTumor lysis syndromeBlood clots

  • 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.

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

  • This medicine may turn your urine red for 1 or 2 days after your treatment. This is normal and nothing to worry about, but can stain your clothing.

  • 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.

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

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

Ellence interactions & what to avoid when taking Ellence

  • Some medicines can affect how epirubicin works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following: AnthracyclinesCimetidineDocetaxelPaclitaxelTrastuzumab

  • Tell your doctor if you are also receiving radiation treatments.

  • This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines. Do not have any live vaccines (immunizations) while you are being treated with this medicine.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems: Heart problemsIncreased risk of leukemiaTumor lysis syndrome

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

  • This medicine may turn your urine red for 1 or 2 days after your treatment. This is normal and nothing to worry about, but can stain your clothing.

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

Ellence side effects - How does Ellence make you feel?

Serious Side Effects

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, tiredness, or weakness

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

  • Decrease in how much or how often you urinate

  • Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat

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

  • Pain, itching, burning, redness, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Trouble breathing, cold sweat, bluish-colored skin

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

  • Hair loss

  • Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest

  • Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat

  • Changes in menstrual periods

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