What is Idarubicin?
Idarubicin can be used as part of a combination chemotherapy for adults to treat myeloid acute leukemia, a type of blood cancer.Idarubicin can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Idarubicin
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
Idarubicin can have dangerous effects on the heart. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, or rapid weight gain.
Idarubicin may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Low blood cell counts: fever; chills; easy bruising and bleeding; pale or cold skin, hands, and feet
- Itching or changes in the skin where the injection is given
- Pain, blisters, or bleeding on your palms or soles
- If you have sores, white patches, or lesions in your mouth or surrounding area,
- Severe nausea or vomiting.
Idarubicin can cause a variety of side effects.
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea;
- Mouth sores;
- Bleeding;
- Headache;
- Rash;
- Hair loss.
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report adverse effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Prednisone, methotrexate, dexamethasone, triamcinolone, keytruda, decadron, and hydroxyurea
Warnings
Idarubicin may increase your risk for bleeding or infection. If you notice unusual bleeding or bruising, or if there are new signs of infection such as fever, chills, or tiredness, call your doctor.
Idarubicin can have dangerous effects on the heart, particularly if it has been used in conjunction with cancer drugs or you are older than 60.If you experience chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, swelling, rapid weight gain, or swelling of the limbs, seek medical attention immediately.
Before you take this drug
Idarubicin can have dangerous effects on the heart, particularly if it has been used in conjunction with cancer drugs or you are older than 60.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Heart problems
- Radiation treatment
- The chemotherapy treatment with doxorubicin or daunorubicin is not recommended.
- Bone marrow suppression
- Liver or kidney disease
- Gout;
- Anemia
- Sepsis A severe reaction to infection
Idarubicin may harm an unborn child if either the mother or father uses it.
- You may need to take a pregnancy test if you're a woman. Use birth control during treatment and for 6.5 months following your last dose.
- Use birth control if you're a man and your partner can get pregnant. Continue to use birth control at least 3.5 months after your last pill.
- Inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant.
Do not breastfeed for 14 days after the last dose of this medication.
How to take idarubicin?
Idarubicin can be infused into a vein. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider.Idarubicin can be given with other cancer medications. Other medications may be prescribed to treat nausea, vomiting, or infection.
If you experience any pain or swelling when the idarubicin IV needle is inserted, tell your carers.If you accidentally get any medication on your skin, clean it with warm, soapy water.Idarubicin increases your risk of bleeding and infection. You will be required to undergo frequent medical tests. You may need to have your liver, kidney, and heart functions checked.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for acute myeloid leukemia:
In combination with Cytarabine, 12 mg/m2 per day for 3 days via slow IV administration (10 to 15 minutes).
The maximum cumulative lifetime dose recommended for the IV formulation is 150 mg/m2.
A second induction course can be given to patients who have unambiguous evidence of leukemia following the first course.
Comment:
In patients with severe mucositis, the second course of treatment should be deferred until they have recovered. A dose reduction of 25 percent is also recommended.
Use: For the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in combination with other approved antileukemic drugs (including French-American-British [FAB] classifications M1 through M7)
Adult dose for acute non lymphocytic leukemia:
Slow (10 to 15 minutes) IV administration of 12 mg/m2 per day for 3 days in combination with Cytarabine
The maximum cumulative lifetime dose recommended for the IV formulation is 150 mg/m2.
A second induction course can be given to patients who have unambiguous evidence of leukemia following the first course.
Comment:
Patients with severe mucositis should wait until they have recovered before administering the second course. A dose reduction of 25 percent is also recommended.
Use: For the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in combination with other approved antileukemic drugs (including French-American-British [FAB] classifications M1 through M7)
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are unable to keep your appointment for your idarubicin shot, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses are unlikely because idarubicin will be administered by a healthcare provider in a medical environment.
What should be avoided?
Avoid being around people who are sick. If you notice any signs of an infection, tell your doctor immediately.
Avoid any activity that could increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Take extra precautions to avoid bleeding when shaving or brushing your teeth.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor if you've taken any other cancer medications in the last 7 months.
- Cyclophosphamide;
- Paclitaxel
- Trastuzumab.
This list is incomplete. Idarubicin may be affected by other drugs, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all drug interactions.
