How It Works
Doxorubicin interferes with how cancer cells multiply. It is used
specifically to treat cancer.
Doxorubicin is an intravenous (IV) medicine. The exact dose that
you receive and how often you are treated depend on your body size, the type of
cancer you have, and how much of your body is affected by the cancer.
Why It Is Used
Doxorubicin slows or stops the growth and spread of cancer cells in
the body. It is used to treat many types of cancer, such as breast cancer,
stomach cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, multiple myeloma, bone cancer, and ovarian
cancer.
How Well It Works
Doxorubicin is an effective cancer treatment. But the type of
cancer you have and how widespread the cancer is affect how well this medicine
slows or stops the growth of cancer.
Side Effects
Side effects are common with doxorubicin and can include:
- Decreased white blood cell counts. Red blood
cell counts and platelet counts can also be reduced.
- Nausea,
vomiting, and loss of appetite.
- Mouth sores and a sore
throat.
- Hair loss. Your hair will grow back when treatment
ends.
- Darkening of nail beds.
- Sun sensitivity and easy
sunburning. Be sure to wear hats and sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF)
of 30, and stay out of the sun as much as possible while you are being
treated.
- Pink or orange urine for about 24 hours after the medicine
is given.
- Redness and a feeling of uncomfortable burning on the
palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
Long-term use can cause weakening of the heart muscle. Symptoms may
occur months or years after treatment. Tell your health professional if you
have shortness of breath, chest pain, or swelling in the feet or ankles.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference
is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Doxorubicin should be given only under the supervision of a
medical oncologist.
Long-term use can cause weakening of the heart muscle. If you have
been treated for cancer with this medicine in the past and are now seeing a new
oncologist, be sure to tell your new doctor about your past treatment.
You may not be able to become pregnant after taking this medicine.
Discuss fertility with your doctor before starting treatment.
Doxorubicin can cause birth defects. Do not use this medicine if
you are pregnant or wish to become pregnant or wish to father a child while you
are taking it.
Doxorubicin can damage the tissue around a vein if it leaks into
the tissue while it is being given. Tell your health professional immediately
if you notice any stinging or burning around the vein when you are getting this
medicine.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine |
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| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Douglas A. Stewart, MD - Medical Oncology |
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| Last Revised | June 28, 2011 |
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