Epirubicin (By injection)
ep-i-ROO-bi-sin hye-droe-KLOR-ide
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Epirubicin injection is used together with other cancer medicines to treat cancers of the breast, lungs, lymph system, stomach, and ovaries.
Epirubicin belongs to the group of medicines called antineoplastics. It interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected, other unwanted 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 until months or years after the medicine is used.
This medicine is to be administered only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in the product labeling, epirubicin is used in certain patients with the following medical condition:
Cancer of the esophagus.
Cancer of the muscles, connective tissues (tendons), vessels that carry blood or lymph, joints, and fat.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
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.
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
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 epirubicin works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following:
Cimetidine Docetaxel Paclitaxel TrastuzumabTell your doctor if you are also receiving radiation treatments.
This 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 epirubicin, doxorubicin, daunorubicin, idarubicin, or mitoxantrone. You should not receive it if you are pregnant, or if you have heart failure or had a recent heart attack.
Warnings
This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, heart rhythm problems, 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 the following problems:
Heart problems Increased risk of leukemia Tumor lysis syndromeThis medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
This medicine may turn your urine red for 1 or 2 days after your treatment. This is normal and nothing to worry about, but can stain your clothing.
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
Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
Pain, itching, burning, redness, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish-colored skin
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Changes in menstrual periods
Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
Hair loss
Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat
Tiredness
Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest
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
Ellence, Novaplus Epirubicin Hydrochloride, Pharmorubicin Pfs
There may be other brand names for this medicine.