Doxorubicin Liposome (By injection)

dox-oh-ROO-bi-sin hye-droe-KLOR-ide LYE-poh-some

Treats cancer, including ovarian cancer, multiple myeloma, and Kaposi sarcoma.

Drug classes

Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Doxorubicin liposome injection is used to treat ovarian cancer and Kaposi sarcoma (AIDS patients). It is also used together with bortezomib to treat multiple myeloma. Doxorubicin liposome is an antineoplastic agent (cancer medicine).

Doxorubicin liposome interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed by the body. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by doxorubicin liposome, other unwanted side effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct 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 product labeling, doxorubicin liposome is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:

Breast cancer that has spread (metastatic).

Multiple myeloma, in combination with vincristine and dexamethasone.

Mycosis fungoides (skin cancer) that did not respond to other medicines.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Injectable

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.

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.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to doxorubicin or if you are pregnant.

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. Use an effective form of birth control while you are receiving this medicine and for 6 months after treatment ends.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease or heart disease. Tell your doctor if you have received previous cancer medicine or radiation treatment.

This medicine may cause the following problems:

Heart damage Infusion reaction, which may be life-threatening Hand-foot syndrome Cancer of the mouth

This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.

Your urine color may change to red or orange after you receive the injection. This is normal and nothing to worry about.

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 check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. 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

Blistering, peeling, redness, numbness, pain, or swelling of the palms, hands, and bottoms of the feet

Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches

Headache; dizziness; trouble breathing; warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest

Painful sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat

Redness, swelling, burning, or pain where the needle is placed

Slow or uneven heartbeat, rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or vomiting

Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet

Reddish-orange urine or other body fluids

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

Doxil, Lipodox, Lipodox 50

There may be other brand names for this medicine.