daunorubicin Health Article

Generic name(s):

daunorubicin

Brand name(s):

Cerubidine

What is the most important information I should know about daunorubicin?

Daunorubicin should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Serious side effects have been reported with the use of daunorubicin including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); severe heart damage with prolonged use; decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection); severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with daunorubicin.

What is daunorubicin?

Daunorubicin is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Daunorubicin interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Daunorubicin is used in the treatment of leukemia (blood cancer).

Daunorubicin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using daunorubicin?

Do not use daunorubicin without first talking to your doctor if you have

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;

• heart disease;

• poor bone marrow function;

• received radiation therapy that encompassed the heart; or

• previously received treatment with doxorubicin (Adriamycin, Rubex), doxorubicin liposomal (Doxil), daunorubicin (Cerubidine), daunorubicin liposomal (DaunoXome), idarubicin (Idamycin), or mitoxantrone (Novantrone).

The use of daunorubicin may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Daunorubicin is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that daunorubicin is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use daunorubicin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Discuss with your doctor the appropriate use of birth control during treatment with daunorubicin if necessary. Daunorubicin passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Breast-feeding should be avoided during treatment with daunorubicin. Children have an increased risk of heart problems due to treatment with daunorubicin. Growth and gonadal development may also be affected.

How should I use daunorubicin?

Daunorubicin should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with daunorubicin depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.

Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with daunorubicin to monitor progress and side effects.

Skin accidentally exposed to daunorubicin should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Your healthcare provider will store daunorubicin as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing daunorubicin at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of daunorubicin.

What happens if I overdose?

If for any reason an overdose of daunorubicin is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Symptoms of a daunorubicin overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe.

What should I avoid while using daunorubicin?

Daunorubicin can lower the activity of your immune system making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with daunorubicin. In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you.

Skin accidentally exposed to daunorubicin should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.