Doxorubicin (Liposomal)
Description
Doxorubicin (Liposomal) is an anticancer medicine which is used for the treatment of cancers of the blood and ovaries (female reproductive organ). It is also used for the treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma (a type of cancer that causes lesions to grow below the surface of the skin, lymph nodes, membranes of the mouth, eyes, nose, etc.) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients who have not adequately responded to other anticancer medications. This medicine is a formulation of doxorubicin-containing liposomes that are made to reduce the risk of cardiotoxicity as compared to the conventional doxorubicin.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Doxorubicin (Liposomal)
- Headache
- Numbness of hands or feet
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Skin rash or itching
- Dizziness
- Muscle aches
- Irregular heart beat
- Chest pain
- Hair loss
- Pain at the injection site
Uses of Doxorubicin (Liposomal)
What is it prescribed for?
- Ovarian Cancer
- AIDS-Related Kaposi's Sarcoma
- Multiple Myeloma
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use if you have a known allergy to Doxorubicin Liposomal or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.
General warnings
Use in children
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients less than 18 years of age since the safety and efficacy of use are not clinically established.
Blood cell count
This medicine is known to lower the white blood cell count (neutrophils) in patients with risk factors such as pre-existing diseases or medicines. Close monitoring of blood cell count is necessary. Do not start the treatment if the blood cell count is low.
Secondary oral neoplasms
Doxorubicin (Liposomal) is known to increase the risk of secondary cancers, most frequently in the mouth. Close monitoring of symptoms like mouth ulcers, bleeding is necessary. The treatment should be discontinued if secondary cancer develops.
Effect on heart
This medicine may increase the risk of toxic effects on the heart and could lead to acute left ventricular failure. Patients with heart diseases need close monitoring while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition.
Risk of infections
Use of this medicine may weaken the immune system and may make you more vulnerable to infections. It is advised that you avoid coming in contact with people suffering from an infection while receiving this medicine.
Missed Dose
Since this medicine is usually administered by a qualified healthcare professional in the clinical/hospital setting, the likelihood of a missed dose is very low. However, it is advised to contact the doctor immediately if you miss a scheduled dose of this medicine.
Overdose
Since this medicine is administered in the hospital setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of an overdose is very less. However, emergency medical treatment will be initiated by the doctor if an overdose is suspected.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Live attenuated vaccines and related products
Adalimumab
Amiodarone
Moxifloxacin
Certolizumab
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
This medicine is usually administered in the clinical/hospital setting under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Follow all the instructions given by your doctor. Inform the doctor if you have a known allergy to this medicine. Report all your current medicines as well as your medical conditions to the doctor before receiving this medicine
Miscelleneous
How it works
It works by stopping the growth of cancer cells by inhibiting DNA synthesis.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Antibiotics/antineoplastics
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. Accessdata.fda.gov. 2019 [cited 21 March 2019]. Available from:
[Internet]. Janssenlabels.com. 2019 [cited 21 March 2019]. Available from:
[Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2019 [cited 21 March 2019]. Available from:
[Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2019 [cited 21 March 2019]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 24 May 2019
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.