Epirubicin

What is Epirubicin?

Epirubicin can be used to treat breast cancer.Epirubicin is also used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Side effects of Epirubicin

Contact a medical professional immediately. Get medical attention immediately if you notice symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, like hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue.Epirubicin could cause serious consequences for your heart. These effects cannot be reversed and may occur for months or years after receiving epirubicin. Consult your doctor now if you experience any signs of heart issues, such as swelling, weight gain, rapid heart rate, or shortness of breath.

Contact your doctor at anytime if you suffer from:

• Rapid or slow heartbeats;
• Simple bleeding or unusual red or purple spots on your skin
• A strange feeling of tiredness; feeling lightheaded or sluggish with cold feet and hands;
• Discomfort, blisters, redness, swelling, pain, or changes after the injection is delivered;
• Severe vomiting;
• Dehydration symptoms: feeling extremely thirsty, hot, or sweaty; feeling not able to urinate; excessive sweating; or dry and hot skin;
• Fluid accumulation in or around the lungs. It can be painful whenever you take a breath. Feel out of breath when in bed, coughing, struggling to breathe, coughing with foamy mucus, a cold and clammy surface, anxiety, rapid heartbeats
• Signs of tumor cell breakdown--tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fast/slow heart rates as well as tingling in hands/feet or around mouth; can all indicate tumor cell destruction
• symptoms of infection include chills. Symptoms of the flu, such as chills and Mouth sores, slurred breathing, blue or pale skin

Common adverse effects of epirubicin could include:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• Temporary temporary loss of hair;
• The appearance of blisters or ulcers inside your mouth, swollen or red gums, or trouble swallowing
• Hot flashes, missed menstrual periods;
• Coloration on your skin, or nail discoloration;
• Inability to focus
• Red-colored urine for one or two days following the injection.

This isn't an exhaustive list of all the side effects. Other side effects could occur. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. Report any adverse reactions directly to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Similar or related drugs

Letrozole, Tamoxifen, Femara, Paclitaxel, Herceptin, and Soltamox

Cautions

It is not recommended to use epirubicin when you suffer from an untreated and unchecked illness, a serious liver condition, heart issues, or if you've recently suffered from a cardiac attack. It is possible that you will not be able to use epirubicin in the event that you have been treated with a certain quantity or various cancer medications.Contact your physician if you are experiencing any burning, pain, or swelling of the area around the needle during the time epirubicin is administered.Epirubicin could cause serious adverse effects on your heart. These effects could not be reversed and could last for years or months after receiving epirubicin. Contact your physician right now if you experience any signs of heart issues, including swelling, weight gain, rapid breathing, or difficulty breathing.Epirubicin can affect the immune system. You could contract infections more frequently, including deadly or fatal ones. You'll require frequent medical examinations, and the treatment for cancer may be delayed.

Prior to using this drug

Prior to receiving treatment with epirubicin, tell your physician about any other treatments and medications for cancer you've received, such as radiation.You should not use this medication if you are allergic to epirubicin or similar medications (such as daunorubicin, doxorubicin, idarubicin,mitoxantrone, or valrubicin) or if you have:

• Untreated or uncontrolled infection (including oral sores);
• Severe liver illness;
• Serious heart issues severe heart problems
• If you've recently suffered an attack on your heart,

Epirubicin should not be taken if you are allergic to similar medications (daunorubicin, doxorubicin, idarubicin, mitoxantrone or valrubicin) or have certain medical conditions (including cancer or immune disorders). For example:

Speak to your doctor if you were ever diagnosed with:

• Heart issues;
• Radiation to the chest area;
• Kidney disease or liver failure;
• Bone marrow suppression;
• Chemotherapy with doxorubicin, daunorubicin, epirubicin, mitoxantrone, or idarubicin.

Epirubicin use can increase your chances of acquiring other types of cancer, like leukemia. Consult your physician about this possibility.Both women and men who are taking this medication should utilize effective birth control to stop the birth of a baby. Epirubicin can harm unborn children when the father or mother is taking this medication.Epirubicin could cause women to stop experiencing menstrual cycles. It could also result in premature menopausal changes. Discuss this with your doctor if you are concerned about these dangers.It is not recommended to feed your baby while taking epirubicin.

How do I take epirubicin?

Your doctor will conduct tests on your blood to ensure there are no issues that could hinder you from using epirubicin.Epirubicin is administered as an infusion into the vein. The healthcare professional will give you the injection.Contact your physician if you feel any pain, burning, or swelling of the needle after epirubicin is administered.If any epirubicin is absorbed by your skin, cleanse it off with soap and warm water.Epirubicin can affect the immune system. You could contract infections more frequently, or even fatal or severe infections. Your blood needs to be analyzed frequently. The function of your heart may require a test using an electrocardiograph (sometimes known as the EKG). Your treatment for cancer could be delayed, depending on the findings of such tests.You might also be prescribed additional medications to keep you from getting sick or treat certain adverse negative effects. Use these medications as long as your physician prescribes them.

Info on dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Breast Cancer—Adjuvant:

Initial dosage: 100–120 mg/m2 IV over 3–4-week cycles. Or, a total dose on day 1 of each cycle, divided equally, and administered on days 1 and 8 of each cycle.
The CEF-120 program (repeat at least every 28 days over six cycles):
Cyclophosphamide 75 mg/m2 taken orally from Days 1 to 14
Epiubicin: 60 mg/m2 IV on Days 1 and 8

-5 Fluorouracil: 500 mg/m2 IV on Days 1 and 8A regimen of FEC 100 (repeat once every 21 days over six cycles):
-5-Fluorouracil: 500 mg/m2 IV on Day 1
-Epirubicin: 100 mg/m2 IV on Day 1
Cyclophosphamide: 500 mg/m2 IV on Day 1
Rates of infusion recommended:
For doses starting at 100–120 mg/m2, infuse the solution over 15 to 20 minutes.
For patients who require lower doses due to organ dysfunction or that require a change in dose throughout therapy, the time for infusions can be reduced proportionally, but it must not be shorter than 3 minutes to limit the risk of thrombosis and perivenous extravasation, which can cause extreme cellulitis or vesication. necrosis of tissue.
Direct push injections are not advised because of the possibility of extravasation that could occur regardless of a sufficient return of blood after needle aspiration. Venous sclerosis could result from injections into tiny vessels or multiple injections in the same vein.
Comments:
Doses are recommended by the manufacturer. Refer to the local protocol.
It is recommended to consider the use of antiemetics used in combination with other emetogenic medicines.
Patients who are prescribed the 120 mg/m2 regimen must be treated with preventive treatment with antibiotics.
Use: As an adjuvant treatment for patients who have evidence of axillary node cancer involvement following the resection of breast cancer that is primary.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Contact your doctor for advice in the event that you don't make an appointment to receive the epirubicin injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.

Avoid this

Follow the instructions of your physician regarding any restrictions on your food, drink, or any activity.

Interaction with other drug

Inform your doctor about any other medications you take, particularly:

• Cimetidine (Tagamet);
• Other cancer-related medicines Other cancer medicines
• Heart or blood pressure medications

This list isn't complete. Other medications can affect epirubicin, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. There are many possible interactions with drugs listed here.