Doxorubicin: how to take it safely
Adriamycin
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats many cancers, including breast cancer, lymphoma and sarcoma.
How to take it
It is given by drip into a vein by a cancer nurse or doctor. Your heart is checked before and during treatment.
When to take it
Given every few weeks, as your specialist plans.
Take it with
Not applicable.
What to avoid
- Tell your team if you have heart problems or have had chest radiation.
- The drip leaking into the skin. Tell the nurse if the drip site hurts or burns.
- Pregnancy and fathering a child during treatment. Use reliable contraception and ask your team how long to continue it.
- Live vaccines unless your cancer team says so.
- Contact with people who have infections such as chickenpox or flu.
- Alcohol, unless your team says it is safe.
Possible side effects
Red urine for a day or two (harmless), hair loss, nausea, mouth sores, tiredness.
Get help if
Breathlessness, swollen ankles, palpitations, chest pain, pain or redness at the drip site, fever or signs of infection: get urgent help.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.