doxorubicin liposomal Health Article

Generic name(s):

doxorubicin liposomal

Brand name(s):

Doxil

What is the most important information I should know about doxorubicin liposomal?

Doxorubicin liposomal 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 doxorubicin liposomal 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 doxorubicin liposomal.

What is doxorubicin liposomal?

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

Doxorubicin liposomal is used to treat metastatic ovarian cancer and AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.

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

Who should not use doxorubicin liposomal?

Do not use doxorubicin liposomal 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 doxorubicin liposomal may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Doxorubicin liposomal is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that doxorubicin liposomal is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use doxorubicin liposomal without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Discuss with your doctor the appropriate use of birth control during, and for several months following, treatment with doxorubicin liposomal if necessary. Because of the potential for serious side effects in a nursing infant, breast-feeding should be avoided during treatment with doxorubicin liposomal.

How should I use doxorubicin liposomal?

Doxorubicin liposomal 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 doxorubicin liposomal 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 doxorubicin liposomal to monitor progress and side effects.

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

Your healthcare provider will store doxorubicin liposomal as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing doxorubicin liposomal 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 doxorubicin liposomal.

What happens if I overdose?

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

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