For treating cancer.
Brand Name(s): Ellence
Generic Name: Epirubicin
Instructions
This medicine is given as an IV injection into a vein.
This medicine should be given by a trained health care provider.
Drink plenty of water while on this medicine.
This medicine can make you sensitive to the sun. Use sunscreen or protective clothing when in sun.
Avoid getting medicine on the skin or in the eyes. If this happens, wash the skin with soap and water. For eyes, open eyelid and flush with plenty of water and tell your doctor right away.
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Your doctor may prescribe other medications to reduce side effects. Follow instructions carefully.
Keep using this medicine for the full number of days that it is prescribed. Do not stop the medicine even if you start to feel better.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Cautions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
May cause mouth sores. Brush teeth gently. Avoid products containing alcohol. Rinse mouth with a mixture of water and baking soda or salt.
Some patients with weak hearts may have worsening of symptoms. If you notice difficulty breathing, weight gain, or swelling of your legs or ankles, let your doctor know right away.
Some patients on this medicine have developed severe, life-threatening infections. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.
This medicine may increase the risk of cancer. Ask your doctor about the benefits and risks.
This medicine is associated with an increased risk of serious heart problems and heart attack. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain or difficulty breathing.
There is an increased risk of bleeding while on this medicine, please tell your doctor or nurse if you notice any excessive bleeding or bruising.
Contact your doctor if you notice a change in the amount or darkening of your urine.
This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.
Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.
Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 1 week after stopping treatment.
This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.
Women must use reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.
Men with a pregnant partner must wear a condom during sexual activity while taking this medicine and for 1 week after stopping to prevent harm to the developing baby.
Men with a female partner who is of childbearing age must use a condom and a second form of birth control during sexual activity while taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.
If you have had a heart attack or a stroke within the past 6 months, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- decreased appetite
- constipation or diarrhea
- feeling of heat or flushing
- hair loss
- nausea and vomiting
- darkening of skin or nails
- stomach upset or abdominal pain
- red coloring of urine, tears or sweat
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- bleeding or bruising
- chest pain
- weakened heart; fluid in lungs
- coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
- fever or chills
- fast or irregular heart beats
- pain, redness, swelling near injection
- signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
- sudden leg pain, swelling, warmth or redness
- menstruation changes (missed or fewer periods)
- mouth sores or irritation
- muscle cramps or weakness
- shortness of breath
- sore throat
- dark, tarry stool
- unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
- blood in urine
- sudden or unexplained weight gain
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about EPIRUBICIN - INJECTION
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Selected from data included with permission and copyright by First DataBank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.
