Cancer Resources
Featured Centers
- Eating Out? Cut Calories, Heartburn
- 5 Good Ways to Save Money on Medicine
- 8 Ways to Treat Your Allergies
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells anywhere in a body. The abnormal cells are termed cancer cells, malignant cells, or tumor cells. Many cancers and the abnormal cells that compose the cancer tissue are further identified by the name of the tissue that the abnormal cells originated from (for example, breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer). Cancer is not confined to humans; animals and other living organisms can get cancer. Below is a schematic that shows normal cell division and how when a cell is damaged or altered without repair to its system, the cell usually dies. Also shown is what can occur when such damaged or unrepaired cells do not die and become cancer cells and proliferate with uncontrolled growth; a mass of cancer cells develop. Frequently, cancer cells can break away from this original mass of cells, travel through the blood and lymph systems, and lodge in other organs where they can again repeat the ...
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 LIPOSOMAL - INJECTION
(DOX-oh-ROO-bi-sin LYE-poe-SOE-mal)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Doxil
WARNING: Liposomal doxorubicin may cause heart problems, including possibly fatal heart failure. Heart problems may occur during liposomal 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.
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.
While this drug is first being given into your vein, this medication may cause severe (rarely fatal) reactions, including allergic reactions. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience flushing, trouble breathing, swelling of the face, tightness in the chest/throat, chills, back pain, severe dizziness, or fast heartbeat. See also Side Effects section.
Tell your doctor if you have liver problems because the 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: Liposomal doxorubicin is an anthracycline-type chemotherapy drug that is used alone or with other treatments/medications to treat certain types of cancer (e.g., ovarian cancer, AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma, multiple myeloma). It works by slowing or stopping cancer cell growth.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This medication may also be used to treat breast cancer.
HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein over 30-60 minutes or longer by a health care professional. The dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to therapy. Notify your doctor immediately if redness, pain, or swelling occur at or near the injection site.
If this medication touches your skin, immediately and completely wash 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.
Family members and 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.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get the latest treatment options.