epirubicin Health Article

Generic name(s):

epirubicin

Brand name(s):

Ellence

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

Before you are treated with epirubicin, tell your doctor about all other cancer medications and treatments you have received, including radiation. You should not receive epirubicin if you have an untreated or uncontrolled infection (including mouth sores), severe liver or heart problems, or if you have recently had a heart attack.

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to epirubicin or similar medications (Cerubidine, Adriamycin, Idamycin, Novantrone).

Before you receive epirubicin, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, congestive heart failure, a history of heart disease or heart attack, or a weak immune system caused by prior cancer treatments.

Do not receive epirubicin without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Epirubicin could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

If a man fathers a child while receiving this medication, the baby may have birth defects. Use a condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment.

Some people being treated with epirubicin have developed secondary cancers such as leukemia. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.

What is epirubicin?

Epirubicin is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Epirubicin is used to treat breast cancer.

Epirubicin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before I receive epirubicin?

Tell your doctor about all other cancer medications and treatments you have received, including radiation. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to epirubicin or similar medications (Cerubidine, Adriamycin, Idamycin, Novantrone), or if you have:

• an untreated or uncontrolled infection (including mouth sores);

• severe liver disease;

• severe heart problems; or

• if you have recently had a heart attack.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive this medication. Before you receive epirubicin, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver disease;
• kidney disease;

• a weak immune system caused by prior cancer treatments;

• heart disease;

• congestive heart failure; or

• if you have ever had a heart attack.

Some people being treated with epirubicin have developed secondary cancers such as leukemia. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.

FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not receive epirubicin without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

If a man fathers a child while receiving this medication, the baby may have birth defects. Use a condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment.

It is not known whether epirubicin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.