Uses
Idarubicin has used to treat acute myelogenous leukemia (AML; a type of cancer of the white blood cells) in combination with other medications. Idarubicin is in a class of medications called anthracyclines. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in your body.
Side Effects Of Idarubicin
Idarubicin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- sores in the mouth and throat
- stomach pain
- headache
- joint pain
- hair loss
- rash
- redness and blisters on the palms and soles
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the WARNING section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- seizures
- hives
- dizziness
- fainting
- pale skin
- difficulty urinating
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
Idarubicin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before receiving idarubicin:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to idarubicin, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in idarubicin injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have previously received radiation therapy or have or have ever had heart disease or if you have an infection, blood-clotting problems, or anemia (decreased amount of red blood cells in the blood).
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You should not become pregnant or breast-feed while you are receiving idarubicin injection. If you become pregnant while receiving idarubicin, call your doctor. Idarubicin may harm the fetus.
Idarubicin Dosage
Idarubicin comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected intravenously (into a vein) over 10 to 15 minutes by a doctor or nurse in a medical facility along with other chemotherapy medications. It is usually given once a day for 3 days. Your doctor may need to delay your treatment or adjust your dose if you experience certain side effects. It is important for you to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with idarubicin.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to idarubicin.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
