Adriamycin (Doxorubicin Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Adriamycin Used For?
Adriamycin is a powerful cancer treatment medication that belongs to a group of medicines called cytotoxic anthracyclines. It’s used to fight various types of cancer by stopping cancer cells from growing and multiplying.
Primary Uses
Adriamycin treats different types of cancers including leukemia, soft tissue and bone sarcomas, and cancers in the breast, lymph nodes (Hodgkin’s or Non-Hodgkin’s), lung, thyroid, liver, kidney, bladder, or ovary.
How It Works
Doxorubicin hydrochloride works by preventing the growth of cancer cells and eventually destroying them. It interferes with cancer cell division and multiplication.
Professional Administration: This medication is only given by experienced healthcare professionals in a hospital setting with proper monitoring equipment.
How to Take Adriamycin
Adriamycin is given only in a hospital or clinic setting by a doctor or nurse who is experienced in treating cancer patients. It cannot be taken at home.
Administration Method
Adriamycin is given by slow injection into a vein or into the bladder. If given into the bladder, you’ll be asked not to urinate for one hour. Treatment is usually given once every 3 weeks, or on 3 successive days repeated every 4 weeks. Your doctor will determine the exact dose, frequency, and duration based on your condition, weight, liver function, and previous treatments.
Monitoring During Treatment
You’ll have blood tests and heart monitoring before and during treatment. Your doctor will regularly check the effects on your blood, liver, and heart function.
Important: Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience stinging, burning, or pain at the injection site during treatment.
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:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea and abdominal pain
- Hair loss on all parts of the body
- Skin darkening, rash, or infections
- Red-colored urine (for 1-2 days after treatment)
- Loss of appetite
- Unusual tiredness and weakness
- Bleeding or easy bruising
- Eye discharge, dry eyes, or excess tears
- Burning sensation in mouth, throat, or other areas
- Weight gain
- Painful joint swelling (gout)
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Signs of infection (fever, chills, sore throat)
- Heart problems (chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling in feet or legs)
- Severe bleeding or unusual bruising
- Injection site reactions (burning, stinging, redness, pain)
- Swelling or tenderness along the vein
- Abdominal pain with bleeding or bowel ulceration
- Bladder problems (if given into bladder): pain, blood in urine, difficulty urinating
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Adriamycin should not be used, and others that require careful monitoring.
Who Should Not Take Adriamycin
You should not receive Adriamycin if you have: allergies to doxorubicin or similar medicines (anthracyclines like daunorubicin, epirubicin, mitozantrone), severe reduction in blood cell count, severe heart disease or recent heart attack, severe infection, severe liver disease, bone marrow suppression from previous treatments, or bladder-related complications when used for bladder treatment.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: heart disease or high blood pressure, liver or kidney problems, history of radiation therapy, previous treatment with other cancer medicines, or any infections. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose or provide additional monitoring.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not use Adriamycin if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as it may harm your developing baby. Women of childbearing age must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months and 10 days after the final dose. Men must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months and 10 days after the final dose if their partner could become pregnant. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 10 days after your last dose.
Fertility Warning: Adriamycin may cause infertility in both men and women. Discuss fertility preservation options with your doctor before starting treatment.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interfere with Adriamycin and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
Radiation Therapy: Adriamycin given at the same time as radiation therapy may cause additional unwanted effects.
- Other cancer medicines (cyclophosphamide, paclitaxel, 6-mercaptopurine, sorafenib)
- Blood thinners (heparin)
- Heart medicines (propranolol, verapamil)
- Epilepsy medicines (phenobarbital, phenytoin)
- St. John’s Wort herbal supplement
- Ciclosporin (used in transplant patients)
- Certain vaccines (your doctor will advise which to avoid)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with activities that require alertness while receiving Adriamycin treatment.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Adriamycin affects you. The medication can cause drowsiness and unusual tiredness.
Storage
Adriamycin is stored and handled only by healthcare professionals in hospital or clinic settings. As a patient, you don’t need to worry about storage as this medication is not taken home.
Overdose Information
Since Adriamycin is given in a hospital under medical supervision, overdose is very unlikely. Your healthcare team monitors your progress and checks your medication carefully. If you think you’ve received too much, symptoms may include more severe versions of the regular side effects. Tell your doctor immediately, call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), or go to the nearest hospital emergency department if you’re concerned about overdose symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Adriamycin works by preventing cancer cell growth and eventually destroying them. The timeline for seeing results varies depending on your specific cancer type and treatment plan. Your doctor will monitor your progress through regular blood tests and other examinations.
This is completely normal and expected. Adriamycin may color your urine red for 1-2 days after each treatment. This is not harmful and will return to normal color on its own.
Yes, hair loss on all parts of the body is a common side effect of Adriamycin. This is temporary, and your hair should begin to grow back after treatment is completed.
Treatment is usually given once every 3 weeks, or on 3 successive days repeated every 4 weeks. However, your doctor may adjust the frequency based on your specific condition and how you respond to treatment.
Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience stinging, burning, or pain at the injection site during treatment. This could indicate a problem that needs immediate attention.
No, you should not become pregnant during Adriamycin treatment as it may harm your developing baby. Women must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months and 10 days after the final dose. Men must also use contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months and 10 days after the final dose.
Avoid people with infections, be careful with dental hygiene (use soft toothbrush), avoid sharp objects that could cause cuts, avoid contact sports, and check with your doctor before getting any vaccines. Report any signs of infection like fever, chills, or sore throat immediately.
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.