Doxorubicin (Adriamycin®) (Rubex®)

This is the ‘H’ in the CHOP chemotherapy regime

 

Possible Side Effects

 

Hair loss.

This usually starts 3-4 weeks after the first dose of doxorubicin, although it may happen earlier. Hair may be lost completely. You may also have thinning and loss of eyelashes, eyebrows and other body hair. This is temporary and the hair will regrow once the treatment is finished.

 

Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting.

There are now very effective anti-sickness drugs to prevent or greatly reduce nausea and vomiting. If it does happen it may begin a few hours after the treatment is given and last for up to a day. If the sickness is not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor. They can prescribe other anti-sickness drugs that may be more effective.

 

Temporary reduction in the production of blood cells by the bone marrow.

This can result in anaemia, risk of bruising or bleeding and infection. This effect can begin about seven days after the treatment has been given and the number of blood cells usually reaches its lowest point at 10-14 days after the chemotherapy. The number of blood cells will then increase steadily and will usually return to normal within 21-28 days.

The extent to which your blood cells are reduced depends on the dose of chemotherapy you receive and which other chemotherapy drugs, if any, are given in combination. Your doctor can advise you how likely it is that the number of blood cells will be lowered by the chemotherapy. Your blood will be checked regularly to see how well your bone marrow is working.

 

Temperature

If your temperature goes above 38C (100.5F), or you develop any unexplained bruising or bleeding, or you suddenly feel unwell, even with a normal temperature, contact your doctor or the hospital straight away.

 

Sore mouth and taste change.

Your mouth may become sore, or you may notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids and cleaning your teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush can help to reduce the risk of this happening. Tell your doctor if you do have any of these problems as they can prescribe special mouthwashes and medicine to prevent or clear any mouth infection.

You may notice that your food tastes different. Normal taste will come back after the treatment finishes.

 

Discoloured urine.

Your urine may become a pink-red colour. This may last up to 24 hours after you have had the doxorubicin, and is due to the colour of the drug. It is quite normal.

 

Skin changes.

Your skin may darken, due to excess production of pigment. This usually returns to normal a few months after the treatment has finished.

 

Sensitivity to the sun.

While you are having doxorubicin, and for several months afterwards, you will be more sensitive to the sun, and your skin may burn more easily than normal. You can still go out in the sun, but always wear a high protection factor sun cream and protective clothing.

 

Tiredness and weakness.

It is important to allow yourself plenty of time to rest.

 

 

Less Common Side Effects

 

Changes in the way your heart works.

Higher doses of doxorubicin may cause changes in the muscle of the heart. This can affect how the heart works. The effect on the heart depends on the dose given. It is very unusual for the heart to be affected if you receive standard doses. Tests to see how well your heart is working may sometimes be carried out before the drug is given.

 

Diarrhoea.

This can usually be easily controlled with medicine but tell your doctor if it is severe or continues. It is important to drink plenty of fluids if you do have diarrhoea.

 

Skin changes.

The skin may become red and sore in areas which have previously been treated with radiotherapy. Let your doctor know if this happens. The skin over the vein used for the injection may become discoloured.

 

Changes in nails.

Your nails may become darker. White lines may appear on them. These changes usually grow out over a few months once treatment has finished.

 

 

Additional Information

 

If doxorubicin leaks into the tissue around the vein it can damage the tissue in that area. If you notice any stinging or burning around the vein while the drug is being given, or any leakage of fluid from the cannula site it is very important that you tell the doctor or nurse.

 

If the area around the injection site becomes red or swollen at any time you should either tell the doctor or nurse on the ward, or if you are at home, ring the clinic or ward and ask to speak to the doctor or nurse.

 

Some people have hot flushes when the drug is being given.

 

Some other medicines can be harmful to take when you are having chemotherapy. Always tell your doctor about any other medicine you are taking.

 

Fertility.

Your ability to become pregnant or father a child may be affected by taking this drug. It is important to discuss fertility with your doctor before starting treatment.

 

Contraception.

It is not advisable to become pregnant or father a child while taking doxorubicin as it may harm the developing foetus. It is important to use effective contraception whilst taking this drug, and for at least a few months afterwards. Again, discuss this with your doctor.

 

 

Back to the homepage or Hit your ← return key to go back to the page you came from.