Daunorubicin (Daunorubicin Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Daunorubicin Used For?
Daunorubicin is a powerful cancer-fighting medication that belongs to a group of medicines called cytotoxic anthracycline antibiotics. It works by stopping cancer cells from growing and eventually destroying them.
Primary Uses
Daunorubicin is used to treat different types of cancers including: leukemia (a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow where excess immature white blood cells are made), 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 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 Daunorubicin
Daunorubicin is given as an injection slowly into a vein and must only be administered by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic setting. You cannot take this medication at home.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor will decide what dose, how often, and how long you will receive daunorubicin. This depends on your specific condition and other factors such as your weight, height, age, blood test results, how well your liver is working, and whether other medicines are being given at the same time. You will need regular follow-up appointments to check your progress, including blood tests and heart monitoring.
Important: Since this medication is given in a hospital under medical supervision, overdose is very unlikely. Your healthcare team will monitor your progress and check the medicine being given.
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 injection is given
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling, redness or tenderness in the vein
- Itchy rash or skin reaction
Important Warnings
There are several important situations where daunorubicin should not be used, and certain medical conditions that need special attention before treatment begins.
Who Should Not Take Daunorubicin
You should not receive daunorubicin if you: are allergic to daunorubicin or similar medicines (anthracyclines or anthracenediones), have heart disease or heart problems, have recently had a heart attack or chest pain, have severe irregular heartbeats, have a severe infection, have severe liver or kidney problems, have long-term reduced bone marrow function, have low blood count from previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy, have previously received the maximum safe dose of daunorubicin or similar medicines, 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 the dose if necessary.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Daunorubicin should not be used during pregnancy. Women who could become pregnant must use effective contraception during treatment and for 27 weeks after the final dose. Men must use effective contraception during treatment and for 14 weeks after the final dose if their partner could become pregnant. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment as it’s unknown whether daunorubicin passes into breast milk.
Bone Marrow Damage: Treatment can cause bone marrow damage, which can result in infections and severe bleeding. Your doctor will closely monitor your blood cell levels to respond quickly if these conditions occur.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with daunorubicin and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines 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 careful when driving or using machines until you know how daunorubicin affects you.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how daunorubicin affects you. The medication may cause side effects that could impair your ability to drive safely.
Storage
Daunorubicin is stored and handled by healthcare professionals in the hospital or clinic. It comes as a clear red solution in a clear plastic vial and is only available with a doctor’s prescription.
Overdose Information
Since daunorubicin is given in a hospital or clinic under medical supervision, overdose is very unlikely. Your doctor and nurses will monitor your progress and check the medicine being given. If you think you have been given too much, symptoms may include the same side effects but usually more severe. Seek urgent medical attention if you suspect an overdose.
Frequently Asked Questions
The length of treatment depends on your specific condition and other factors. Your doctor will decide how often and how long you will receive daunorubicin based on your weight, height, age, blood tests, and liver function.
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any signs of infection such as sinusitis, tooth abscess, sore red mouth, fever, sore throat, or unusual bleeding or bruising. Treatment can cause bone marrow damage leading to infections.
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 effective 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 daunorubicin treatment. This is typically temporary and hair usually grows back after treatment ends.
You will need regular follow-up appointments to check your progress, including blood tests and heart monitoring to check for side effects. Your doctor will closely monitor your blood cell levels and organ function.
Yes, remind any doctor, dentist, or pharmacist you visit that you are being treated with daunorubicin. This is important for your safety and proper medical care.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours, as this requires medical attention.
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.