Doxorubicin is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Doxorubicin interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Doxorubicin is used to treat many types of cancer.

Doxorubicin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Doxorubicin should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with doxorubicin depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.

Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with doxorubicin to monitor progress and side effects.

Skin accidentally exposed to doxorubicin should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Caregivers of pediatric patients receiving doxorubicin should avoid contact with the patient’s urine and other bodily fluids for at least 5 days after each treatment. Latex gloves and other protective measures may be recommended.

Your healthcare provider will store doxorubicin as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing doxorubicin at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.

Do not use doxorubicin without first talking to your doctor if you have had previous treatment with doxorubicin (Adriamycin, Rubex), doxorubicin liposomal (Doxil), daunorubicin (Cerubidine), daunorubicin liposomal (Daunoxome), idarubicin (Idamycin), or mitoxantrone (Novantrone). Because there is a maximum amount of these medications that should be administered to an individual, you may not be able to use doxorubicin.

Before using doxorubicin, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines.

• paclitaxel (Taxol);

• progesterone (Prometrium);

• verapamil (Calan, Calan SR, Covera-HS, Isoptin, Isoptin SR, Verelan, Verelan PM, others)

• cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune);

• cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Cytoxan Lyophilized, Neosar);

• phenobarbital;

• phenytoin (Dilantin); or

• streptozocin (Zanosar).

You may not be able to take doxorubicin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Do not receive "live” vaccines during treatment with doxorubicin. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous during treatment with doxorubicin.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with doxorubicin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, during treatment with doxorubicin.

Skin accidentally exposed to doxorubicin should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Caregivers of pediatric patients receiving doxorubicin should avoid contact with the patient’s urine and other bodily fluids for at least 5 days after each treatment. Latex gloves and other protective measures may be recommended.

Doxorubicin can lower the activity of your immune system making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with doxorubicin. In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you.

If for any reason an overdose of doxorubicin is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Symptoms of a doxorubicin overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe.

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of doxorubicin.

Doxorubicin should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Serious side effects have been reported with the use of doxorubicin including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); severe heart damage with prolonged use; decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection); severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with doxorubicin.

Do not use doxorubicin without first talking to your doctor if you have

• kidney disease;

• liver disease;

• heart disease;

• poor bone marrow function;

• received radiation therapy that encompassed the heart; or

• previously received treatment with doxorubicin (Adriamycin, Rubex), doxorubicin liposomal (Doxil), daunorubicin (Cerubidine), daunorubicin liposomal (Daunoxome), idarubicin (Idamycin), or mitoxantrone (Novantrone).

The use of doxorubicin may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Doxorubicin is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that doxorubicin is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use doxorubicin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Discuss with your doctor the appropriate use of birth control during treatment with doxorubicin if necessary.

Because of the potential for serious side effects in a nursing infant, breast-feeding should be avoided during treatment with doxorubicin.

Children have an increased risk of heart problems due to treatment with doxorubicin. Growth and gonadal development may also be affected.

Your healthcare provider may have additional information about doxorubicin that you may read.

Doxorubicin is available with a prescription under the brand name Adriamycin PFS, Adriamycin RDF, and Rubex. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.