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IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

DOXORUBICIN - INJECTION

(dox-oh-REW-beh-sin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Adriamycin, Rubex

WARNING: This medication must be given slowly into a vein only. It is very important not to inject this medication into a muscle or beneath the skin. If this medication accidentally leaks into surrounding tissue, the skin/muscle may be severely damaged. Notify your doctor immediately if redness, blistering, sores, pain, or swelling occur at or near the injection site.

Doxorubicin may cause heart problems, including possibly fatal heart failure. Heart problems may occur during doxorubicin therapy or months to years after receiving this medication. Your risk of developing heart problems depends on your dose, medical history (including previous heart disease, radiation therapy in the chest area), and previous use of this and other drugs (including daunorubicin and cyclophosphamide). Children are at higher risk and should be monitored later in life for delayed heart problems. See also Side Effects section.

Very rarely, people with cancer who are treated with this type of medication have developed other cancers (e.g., secondary leukemia). The risk is greater if you are over age 50 or have received certain types of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Consult your doctor for more details.

This medication may cause certain severe blood disorders (bone marrow suppression leading to low red blood cells/white blood cells /platelets). This can lower your body's ability to fight infection and stop bleeding. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent sore throat), unusual tiredness, or easy bleeding/bruising.

Tell your doctor if you have liver problems because your dose may need to be decreased.

Your doctor will closely monitor you while you are being treated with this medication.

Different types of this medication work in different ways. Do not switch types of this medication without your doctor's permission.

USES: Doxorubicin is an anthracycline type of chemotherapy that is used alone or with other treatments/medications to treat several different types of cancer. Doxorubicin works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional. The dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to therapy.

If this medication touches your skin, immediately and completely wash the skin with soap and water. If this medication gets in your eye, open the eyelids and flush with plenty of water for 15 minutes. Seek immediate medical attention.

Caregivers should take precautions (e.g., wear gloves) to prevent contact with the patient's urine or other body fluid for at least 5 days after treatment. Learn how to store and discard needles, medical supplies and medical waste safely. Consult your pharmacist.

Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, drink plenty of cool fluids during treatment with this medication. This helps move the drug quickly through your body and helps reduce some of the side effects.