Uses of undefined

Doxorubicin is used to treat various types of cancer, especially breast cancer, lung cancer, Malignant lymphomas, and certain types of leukemia. It is either used alone or in combination with other drugs. 

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Doxorubicin is an intravenous infusion drug that is injected through the veins. Your physician will choose the dosage and administration frequency based on your medical condition because it differs for each person.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding because this may cause harm to the unborn baby, and use effective birth control during the treatment with this medication. Doxorubicin medicine may reduce fertility temporarily in men. So it is advised to get suggestions about fertility concerns from your doctor. Inform your doctor if you have or had any history of heart disease or severe liver problems because these conditions are contraindicated to this medicine, and the dosage has to be reduced. Patients should be closely watched throughout treatment for any possible clinical problems brought on by myelosuppression.

Precautions

Notify your doctor immediately if you are recently taken any other drugs such as Trastuzumab,  Verapamil, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Cyclosporine, Sorafenib, Paclitaxel, and any other live vaccines because they may reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects. Trastuzumab may stay up to 7 months in the body, which may interact with this medicine and affect the heart. Report to your doctor if you experience any unusual bleeding or signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or body aches. 

Side Effects

The common side effects that may occur while undergoing treatment with Doxorubicin is lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, swelling in the mouth and ankle, numbness, pain, tingling, swelling, or reddening in the palms and feet, weight gain, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats), red or watery eyes, excess tear production. 

Some serious effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Doxorubicin injections are low white blood cell count, severe allergic reaction (shortness of breath, dizziness, itchy rash, tightness in chest or throat), decreased activity in the bone marrow, increased level of liver enzyme. 

Word Of Advice

Inform your doctor if you took or currently taking any chemotherapy medications. Notify your doctor if you are on a salt-controlled diet since it contains sodium. Keep Doxorubicin injection out of sight and reach of children. Store refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze. Doxorubicin injection may cause side effects that could impair your driving ability. Avoid driving if you are unwell.

Frequently Asked Question

• What should I avoid while taking Doxorubicin?
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Doxorubicin because it can increase the risk of liver damage and other serious side effects. 

• Who should not receive Doxorubicin? 
• People with severe allergic reactions, heart problems, low white blood cell count, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and severe liver conditions are contraindicated to Doxorubicin. 

• What should I do if I miss a dose of Doxorubicin? 
• If you miss a dose of Doxorubicin, you should contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to schedule the missed dose. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed dose.

• Can children or adults take Doxorubicin?
• It is safe to use Doxorubicin in both children and adults. 

• How to decide the Doxorubicin dosage? 
• Doxorubicin dosing is based on factors such as body size, cancer type, and previous treatments. Your physician will choose the dosage and administration frequency based on your medical condition because it differs for each person.