In this Article

• What is doxorubicin (Adriamycin PFS)?
• What are the possible side effects of doxorubicin (Adriamycin PFS)?
• What is the most important information I should know about doxorubicin (Adriamycin PFS)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using doxorubicin (Adriamycin PFS)?
• How should I use doxorubicin (Adriamycin PFS)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Adriamycin PFS)?
• What happens if I overdose (Adriamycin PFS)?
• What should I avoid while using doxorubicin (Adriamycin PFS)?
• What other drugs will affect doxorubicin (Adriamycin PFS)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using doxorubicin (Adriamycin PFS)?

Do not use doxorubicin without first talking to your doctor if you have

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• heart disease;
• poor bone marrow function;
• received radiation therapy that encompassed the heart; or
• previously received treatment with doxorubicin (Adriamycin, Rubex), doxorubicin liposomal (Doxil), daunorubicin (Cerubidine), daunorubicin liposomal (Daunoxome), idarubicin (Idamycin), or mitoxantrone (Novantrone).

The use of doxorubicin may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Doxorubicin is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that doxorubicin is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use doxorubicin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Discuss with your doctor the appropriate use of birth control during treatment with doxorubicin if necessary.

Because of the potential for serious side effects in a nursing infant, breast-feeding should be avoided during treatment with doxorubicin.

Children have an increased risk of heart problems due to treatment with doxorubicin. Growth and gonadal development may also be affected.

How should I use doxorubicin (Adriamycin PFS)?

Doxorubicin should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with doxorubicin depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.

Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with doxorubicin to monitor progress and side effects.

Skin accidentally exposed to doxorubicin should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Caregivers of pediatric patients receiving doxorubicin should avoid contact with the patient's urine and other bodily fluids for at least 5 days after each treatment. Latex gloves and other protective measures may be recommended.

Your healthcare provider will store doxorubicin as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing doxorubicin at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.