What side effects are possible with this medication?
A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. A side effect may be mild or severe, temporary or permanent, but does not occur in everyone. The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away over time. If you develop any of these side effects (or any other side effects not listed here) or they change in intensity, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice on managing them and on the risks and benefits of the medication.
- abdominal pain
- back pain
- constipation
- darkening of soles, palms, or nails
- depression
- diarrhea
- difficulty swallowing
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- fast heart rate
- fever or chills
- flushing
- headache
- heartburn
- increased cough
- loss of appetite
- nausea and vomiting
- nosebleeds
- numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
- oral thrush (yeast infection)
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- pain, swelling, or redness of the hands and feet
- rectal bleeding
- reddish colored urine (not blood) - this is normal, and lasts 1 to 2 days after each dose
- redness or irritation of the eyes, or excessive watering or tearing
- red streaks along vein where medication was injected
- runny nose
- shortness of breath
- skin rash or itching
- sore throat
- sores in mouth and on lips
- taste changes
- temporary total loss of hair (returns after treatments end)
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vaginal yeast infection
- weight changes
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Click here to learn about serious side effects that can potentially occur with any medication. These examples are provided for information purposes only and are not meant to be exhaustive. Always consult your doctor for sound medical advice specific to your particular medication and treatment.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Blood clotting: This medication can reduce the number of platelet cells in the blood. Platelets help the blood to clot, and a shortage could make you bleed more easily. Tell your doctor of any signs that your blood is not clotting as quickly. Such symptoms may include black and tarry stools, blood in the urine, easy bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or cuts that won't stop bleeding.
Cancer: This medication can, in rare cases, cause a form of leukemia (cancer of the blood) which may not show up for years following treatment.
Hand-foot syndrome (HFS): This medication may cause a skin reaction affecting the feet and hands, known as hand-foot syndrome (HFS). Let your doctor know if you notice symptoms such as pain, swelling or redness of the skin on your feet or hands, .
Heart disease: This medication can cause heart problems such as abnormal heart rhythms, congestive heart failure, and a weakened heart (cardiomyopathy). This risk is related to the total dose that is received. The risk of heart problems is increased for people with pre-existing heart disease, prior radiation to the chest, and previous treatment with other medications that can cause heart problems. Children are at an increased risk of experiencing heart problems after treatment. Your doctor may monitor your heart function before, during, and after treatment with doxorubicin.
Infection: As well as killing cancer cells, this medication can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). Avoid contact with people with contagious infections and tell your doctor if you begin to notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills.
Infusion reactions: The liposomal form of this medication may cause an infusion-related reaction. Symptoms can include flushing, shortness of breath, swelling of the face, headache, chills, back pain, tightness in the chest or throat, and low blood pressure. The reaction usually resolves within a few hours once the infusion is stopped. If you experience this reaction, let your nurse or doctor know. Slowing the rate of the infusion may prevent this reaction for future infusions.
Liver: People who have liver disease should receive a lower dose of this medication to reduce the chances of having side effects.
Skin reactions: Doxorubicin may cause skin irritation in the vein where the medication is being injected. The symptoms can range from a mild burning to severe skin reactions. Let someone know right away if you are feeling any skin irritation in your vein while receiving this medication.
Urine: This medication can cause the urine to turn a reddish color for 1-2 days following chemotherapy.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Women who may become pregnant should use an effective method of birth control while receiving treatment with doxorubicin. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: This medication may pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking doxorubicin, it may affect your baby. Breast-feeding is not recommended during treatment with doxorubicin.
Children: Children who receive doxorubicin may be at risk of developing delayed heart problems. The safety and effectiveness of the liposomal form of this medication have not been established for children.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
There may be an interaction between doxorubicin and any of the following:
- barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital, secobarbital)
- cyclophosphamide
- cyclosporine
- cytarabine
- dexrazoxane
- etoposide
- live vaccines
- other anthracyline cancer drugs, (e.g., epirubicin)
- paclitaxel
- progesterone
- phenytoin
- saquinavir
- streptozocin
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.