ADRIAMYCIN 50MG INJECTION

Introduction:

Adriamycin 50mg Injection is a chemotherapy medication containing the active constituent doxorubicin. It is used to treat many types of cancers such as lung cancer, breast cancer, blood cancer, bladder cancer, stomach cancer, etc. Cancer is a condition in which cells multiply in an uncontrolled and abnormal manner. It may be given alone or in combination with other anticancer medicines.

Before starting treatment with Adriamycin 50mg Injection, it is very important to tell your physician if you have severe heart disorders, liver disorders, have had, or are currently taking any chemotherapy medications. Avoid live vaccines during the treatment.

Use effective birth control during the treatment with this medication. Discuss with your physician if you are on a salt-controlled diet because Adriamycin 50mg Injection contains sodium. Do not stop having this medication without talking to your physician first. 

Uses of Adriamycin 50mg Injection:

• Cancer

How Adriamycin 50mg Injection works:

Adriamycin 50mg Injection inhibits the activity of enzyme topoisomerase II, involved in DNA (genetic material) multiplication of cancer cells. This prevents the growth and multiplication of cancer cells. This medication also generates some harmful substances (free radicals) that can damage DNA.

Interactions with other drugs:

Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking or have taken before the treatment.

More information:

• Keep Adriamycin 50mg Injection out of sight and reach of children.
• Store refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze.

References:

1. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Cytotoxic agents, 12th edition, 2011, 1714.
2. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Anticancer drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 867.
3. Pfizer Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [Revised on Feb 2021] [ Accessed on 3rd Dec 2021], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6184.pdf
4. Bedford Laboratories, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on April 2012] [ Accessed on 3rd Dec 2021], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/062921s022lbl.pdf
5. Caroline F Thorn et al; Doxorubicin pathways: pharmacodynamics and adverse effects; Pharmacogenetics and Genomics; Published on 01/07/2012; Accessed on 03/12/2021; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3116111/

How to use Adriamycin 50mg Injection:

It will be given to you by a health care professional.

Safety advice:

Pregnancy:

Adriamycin 50mg Injection may harm the unborn baby. You need to tell your physician if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant before taking this medicine. 

Breastfeeding:

Stop breastfeeding before starting treatment with Adriamycin 50mg Injection as the active ingredient may pass into the breast milk and can harm the child. You need to tell your physician if you are breastfeeding before taking this medicine. 

Liver:

You need to inform your physician if you have any liver disorders before taking Adriamycin 50mg Injection as this medication is contraindicated in patients with severe liver disorders.

Driving: 

Adriamycin 50mg Injection may cause side effects that could impair your driving ability. Avoid driving if you are unwell.

Others:

Talk to your physician if:

• You have or ever had heart problems.
• You have had or currently taking any chemotherapy medications.
• You are about to receive any live vaccinations.
• You are on a salt-controlled diet.

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all medicines cause side effects, not everyone gets them.

Serious:

• Low blood cell count
• Severe allergic reaction (shortness of breath, dizziness, itchy rash, tightness in chest or throat)
• Decreased activity in the bone marrow

Common:

• Infection
• Lack of appetite
• Nausea, vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hair loss
• Swelling in the mouth
• Numbness, pain, tingling, swelling, or reddening in the palms and feet
• Weight gain
• Fast heartbeat
• Red, watery eyes, excess tear production