Idarubicin (By injection)
eye-da-ROO-bi-sin
Treats leukemia.
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Idarubicin injection is used in combination with other medicines to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in adults.
Idarubicin belongs to the group of medicines known as antineoplastics. It seems to interfere with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by idarubicin, other effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects, like hair loss, may not be serious but may cause concern. Some effects may not occur for months or years after the medicine is used.
Before you begin treatment with idarubicin, you and your doctor should talk about the benefit as the risks of using this medicine.
Idarubicin is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
You 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.
Missed dose: This 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.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how idarubicin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Cyclophosphamide Paclitaxel TrastuzumabThis medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to idarubicin, or you are pregnant.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, anemia, heart failure, heart disease, gout, or any type of infection.
Medicines 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 cause heart problems, which can occur months to years after your treatment is complete.
This medicine may cause hyperuricemia (too much uric acid in the blood). Ask your doctor if you need to drink extra fluids.
This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
Cancer 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.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Chest pain, fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
Pain, redness, or swelling where the needle is placed
Rapid weight gain, swelling of your hands, ankles, or feet
Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat
Unusual bleeding or bruising
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, stomach cramps
Hair loss
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Idamycin PFS
There may be other brand names for this medicine.