Idarubicin is used to treat a certain type of cancer (leukemia). It belongs to a class of drugs known as anthracyclines and works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
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Overview | Photos | How
To Use | Side
Effects | Precautions | Missed
Dose | Drug
Interactions | |
Idarubicin
Uses
Idarubicin is used to treat a certain type of cancer (leukemia). It belongs to a class of drugs known as anthracyclines and works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., kidney/liver function tests, complete blood count, certain heart function tests such as LVEF) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
- Consult your doctor for more details.
Storage
- Before mixing, store vials in the original carton in the refrigerator between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C).
- Do not freeze.
- Protect from light.Consult the package instructions or your pharmacist for other storage details.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Overdose
- Symptoms of overdose may include: irregular heartbeat, severe nausea/vomiting.
How
To Use - This medication is given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor.
- Dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to treatment.Read and learn all preparation and usage instructions supplied by the manufacturer.
- Follow all instructions for proper handling and mixing with the correct IV fluids.
- Before using, check the product visually for particles or discoloration.
- If either is present, do not use the liquid.If this medication touches your skin, immediately wash the area well with soap and water.
- If this medication gets in your eye, open the eyelids and flush with water for 15 minutes, then seek immediate medical attention.Learn how to store and discard needles, medical supplies, and medical waste safely.
- Consult your pharmacist for details.Drink plenty of fluids while using this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
- Doing so helps decrease the risk of certain side effects (e.g., increased uric acid).
Side
Effects - See also Warning section.Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and headache may occur.
- In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting.
- Eating several small meals, not eating before treatment, or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects.
- If these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Temporary hair loss is a common side effect.
- Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: severe abdominal pain, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion), numbness/tingling of arms/legs, rash/blisters on palms of hands/soles of feet, unusual bleeding/bruising (e.g., small red spots on the skin, black/bloody stools, bloody urine, vomit that looks like coffee grounds).Pain or sores in the mouth and throat may occur.
- Brush your teeth gently/carefully, avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol, and rinse your mouth frequently with cool water mixed with baking soda or salt.
- It may also be best to eat soft, moist foods.Seek immediate medical attention if this rare but very serious side effect occurs: seizure.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
- However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling (especially of throat/face), trouble breathing, severe dizziness.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before using idarubicin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other anthracyclines (e.g., doxorubicin); or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood/bleeding disorders (e.g., anemia, low blood cell counts), gout, heart disease (e.g., congestive heart failure, irregular heartbeat), kidney disease, liver disease, radiation treatment (especially to chest area).Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose.
- Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections.To lower your risk of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.Caution is advised when using this medication in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the effects on the heart.This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
- It may harm an unborn baby.
- If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.
- To avoid pregnancy, both males and females using this drug should use reliable form(s) of birth control (e.g., birth control pills, condoms) during treatment.
- Consult your doctor for details and to discuss effective forms of birth control.It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk.
- Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed
Dose - For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed.
- If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to establish a new dosing schedule.
- Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug
Interactions - Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other anti-cancer drugs (especially anthracyclines such as doxorubicin).
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CONDITIONS
OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information
is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions
or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular
drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional
should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or
discontinuing any course of treatment. |