About doxorubicin hydrochloride
Anthracycline chemotherapy medicine
Used for
- Treats several cancers, including breast cancer, lymphomas, leukaemias, and sarcomas.
Usual adult dose
Given by vein, usually 40–75 mg/m² every 3–4 weeks, adjusted to the cancer and previous treatment.
Usual dose in children
Specialist-set intravenous doses, commonly 30–75 mg/m² per treatment cycle, depending on cancer and protocol.
Common side effects
- Low blood counts and increased infection or bleeding risk
- Nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, and hair loss
- Red or orange urine for a short time
- Heart muscle damage, which may cause heart failure
Important warnings
- Can cause serious, sometimes permanent heart damage; lifetime exposure is limited.
- Must be given into a vein by trained staff; leakage can severely damage tissue.
- Can severely suppress blood counts; monitoring is required.
- May cause infertility, fetal harm, or a second cancer years later.
Pregnancy
Can harm an unborn baby. Avoid during pregnancy unless a specialist considers treatment essential; effective contraception is needed.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment because the medicine may harm the infant.
Interactions
- Other medicines that damage the heart can increase heart injury.
- Other chemotherapy or radiation may increase toxicity.
- Live vaccines may cause infection during treatment-related immune suppression.
- Strong CYP3A4 or P-glycoprotein inhibitors or inducers may alter doxorubicin exposure.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.