Pfizer Daunorubicin (Daunorubicin Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Pfizer Daunorubicin Used For?
Pfizer Daunorubicin is a powerful cancer-fighting medication that belongs to a group of medicines called cytotoxic anthracycline antibiotics. It’s used to treat several types of cancer by stopping cancer cells from growing and eventually destroying them.
Primary Uses
This medication is used to treat different types of cancers including: leukemia (a type of blood cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow where excess immature white blood cells are produced), cancer in certain nerve cells, cancer affecting muscle cells, and cancer in the small glands on top of the kidneys (adrenal glands).
How It Works
Daunorubicin hydrochloride works by preventing the growth of cancer cells and eventually destroying them. It interferes with the cancer cells’ ability to multiply and spread throughout the body.
How to Take Pfizer Daunorubicin
Pfizer Daunorubicin is given as an injection slowly into a vein and must only be administered by a doctor or nurse in a clinical setting such as a hospital or clinic.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor will determine the exact dose, frequency, and duration of treatment based on your specific condition, weight, height, age, blood test results, liver function, and whether you’re receiving other medications at the same time. The medication is given under close medical supervision.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Since this medication is given by healthcare professionals in a clinical setting, missed doses are unlikely. Your medical team will ensure you receive your treatment as scheduled.
Important: This medication must only be given by trained healthcare professionals in a medical facility due to its potent nature and potential side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- flushing of the face (hot and red)
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
- dark areas on the nails and skin
- hair loss on all parts of the body
- redness of the skin
- reddish urine
- dehydration
- pain, redness or pain where the injection is given
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- infections, fever, severe chills, sore throat, mouth ulcers
- severe nausea, vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
- sores in mouth and on lips, heartburn, or difficulty swallowing
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- heart problems
- difficulty breathing or any swelling
- burning, stinging, hotness, redness or pain where the injection is being given
- abdominal pain
- swelling, redness or tenderness in the vein
- itchy rash or skin reaction
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings and contraindications you need to be aware of before receiving Pfizer Daunorubicin treatment.
Who Should Not Take Pfizer Daunorubicin
You should not receive this medication if you: are allergic to daunorubicin, anthracyclines, or anthracenediones; have heart disease, heart problems, recent heart attack, chest pain, or severe irregular heartbeats; have a severe infection; have severe liver or kidney problems; have long-term reduced bone marrow function or low blood count from previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy; have previously received the maximum safe dose of daunorubicin or similar medications; or are pregnant.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have or have had: heart disease or high blood pressure, liver or kidney problems, previous radiotherapy treatment, previous treatment with other anticancer medicines, or any other medical conditions. Your doctor may need to monitor your organ function and adjust dosing accordingly.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
This medication should not be used during pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 27 weeks after the final dose. Male patients must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 14 weeks after the final dose if their partner could become pregnant. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment as it’s unknown if the medication passes into breast milk.
Fertility Warning: You should seek advice on fertility preservation before starting treatment, as this medication may affect your ability to have children in the future.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interfere with Pfizer Daunorubicin and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking.
- other anticancer drugs
- medicines used to treat gout (allopurinol, colchicine, probenecid, sulphinpyrazone)
- other medicines that affect bone marrow function
- drugs which may cause liver problems
- some vaccines
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious about activities that require alertness until you know how this medication affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions are mentioned in the source material, but discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor during treatment.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Pfizer Daunorubicin affects you, as the medication and its side effects may impair your ability to perform these activities safely.
Storage
Pfizer Daunorubicin is stored and handled by healthcare professionals in clinical settings. As a patient, you don’t need to worry about storage as the medication is prepared and administered by trained medical staff.
Overdose Information
Since Pfizer Daunorubicin is given in a hospital or clinic under medical supervision, overdose is very unlikely. Your healthcare team monitors your progress and checks the medication being given. If you think you’ve received too much, symptoms may include the same side effects listed but usually more severe in nature. Immediate medical attention would be provided by your healthcare team.
Frequently Asked Questions
The medication works by preventing cancer cell growth and destroying them, but the timeline for seeing results varies depending on your specific condition, dosage, and treatment plan. Your doctor will monitor your progress through regular blood tests and examinations.
Some medications can interfere with Pfizer Daunorubicin, including other anticancer drugs, gout medications, and certain vaccines. Always tell your doctor about all medications and treatments you’re receiving.
No, Pfizer Daunorubicin is not addictive. It’s a chemotherapy medication used to treat cancer and does not cause physical dependence or addiction.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any signs of infection such as sinusitis, tooth abscess, sore red mouth, fever, sore throat, as the medication can cause bone marrow damage that increases infection risk.
Reddish urine is a common and expected side effect of Pfizer Daunorubicin treatment. This discoloration is normal and not harmful, but you should still mention it to your healthcare team.
No, you should not become pregnant during treatment. Women must use effective contraception during treatment and for 27 weeks after the final dose. Men must use contraception during treatment and for 14 weeks after if their partner could become pregnant.
Yes, hair loss on all parts of the body is a common side effect of Pfizer Daunorubicin treatment. This is typically temporary, and hair usually grows back after treatment ends.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.