What Is Pharmorubicin Used For?

Pharmorubicin contains epirubicin hydrochloride and belongs to a group of anticancer medicines known as cytotoxic anthracycline antibiotics. It is used to treat many different types of cancers and may be used alone or in combination with other cancer medicines.

Primary Uses

Pharmorubicin is used to treat various types of cancers. It may be given as a single treatment or combined with other cancer medications depending on your specific condition.

How It Works

Epirubicin hydrochloride works by stopping cancer cells from growing and multiplying, helping to control the spread of cancer in your body.

How to Take Pharmorubicin

Pharmorubicin is given only in a clinical setting such as a hospital by a qualified doctor or nurse. It cannot be taken at home and requires professional medical supervision.

Dosage Instructions

Pharmorubicin is usually given as a slow injection or drip (infusion) into a vein, or it may be injected into the bladder. Your doctor will determine the exact dose, frequency, and duration of treatment based on your condition, weight, height, age, blood test results, liver function, and other medications you may be taking. Treatment is typically given every 3 to 4 weeks in cycles, but your doctor may adjust this schedule. If receiving bladder treatment, do not drink fluids for 12 hours before the procedure.

Treatment Monitoring

Treatment will not be repeated until your blood counts return to acceptable levels and any side effects are controlled. Your doctor may change your dose during treatment and will let you know how many cycles you will need.

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 (feeling sick) or vomiting
• diarrhea
• sore mouth or tongue, mouth ulcers, redness of mouth
• sore vagina or rectum
• redness of skin or vein at injection site
• hair loss, beard stops growing
• dehydration (thirsty, dry mouth, dry skin)
• sore food pipe, pain or difficulty swallowing
• stomach pain or burning feeling
• skin rash, itchy skin, hives, sensitive skin, blisters
• change in color of skin or nails
• increased sensitivity to sun
• itchy eye, crusty eyelid, sore red eye, blurred vision, conjunctivitis
• loss of appetite
• temporary loss of menstrual periods
• hot flushes
• weakness, tiredness, dizziness, confusion, depression
• tingling or numbness of hands or feet, pins and needles
• gout
• red colored urine

Important Warnings

There are several important conditions and situations where Pharmorubicin should not be used, and others where special caution is needed.

Who Should Not Take Pharmorubicin

You should not receive Pharmorubicin if you: are allergic to anthracyclines, anthracenediones, epirubicin, or any ingredients; have low blood count from previous chemotherapy or radiation; have sore, red mouth from previous treatment; have an active infection; have severe liver problems; have heart disease, recent heart attack, chest pain, or severe irregular heartbeats; have previously received the maximum safe dose of epirubicin or similar medicines. For bladder injection specifically, you should not receive it if you have: cancer that has spread into the bladder wall; kidney or urinary tract infections; swollen or inflamed bladder; catheter problems; or blood in urine.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have any heart disease, high blood pressure, liver or kidney problems, or if you are having or have had radiotherapy or treatment with other anticancer medicines. Regular monitoring of heart, liver, and kidney function, as well as blood tests, will be required.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

You should not receive Pharmorubicin if you or your partner are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 28 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 is of childbearing potential.

Drug Interactions

Several medications may interfere with Pharmorubicin and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.

• Cancer medicines: 5-fluorouracil, cyclophosphamide, cisplatin, paclitaxel, docetaxel, trastuzumab, and other cancer treatments
• Heart and blood pressure medicines: nifedipine, verapamil, diltiazem, felodipine, amlodipine, propranolol
• Stomach medicines: cimetidine (used for heartburn or stomach ulcers)

Alcohol & Driving

Pharmorubicin may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful before driving or using any machines or tools until you know how Pharmorubicin affects you. This medicine may make some people feel tired or dizzy, which could impair your ability to drive safely.

Storage

Pharmorubicin is stored and handled by healthcare professionals in clinical settings. As a patient, you will not need to store this medication at home since it is only administered in hospitals or clinics under medical supervision.

Overdose Information

Since Pharmorubicin is given in a hospital or clinic under medical supervision, overdose is very unlikely. Your healthcare team will monitor your progress and check the medicine being given. However, if you experience severe side effects after receiving Pharmorubicin, immediately tell your doctor or call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Overdose symptoms may include the same side effects listed but usually more severe in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions