What is this medication for?
Epirubicin belongs to the group of cancer-fighting medicines known as antineoplastics, and specifically to the family of antineoplastics called anthracyclines. Epirubicin prevents the growth of cancer cells by interfering with the genetic material DNA, which is necessary for reproduction of cells. Epirubicin is used in combination with other antineoplastics for the treatment of breast cancer.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Ellence® is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose of epirubicin varies widely according to the response to therapy, the other drugs being used, and the body size of the recipient. Epirubicin is usually injected into a vein through a specially prepared site on the skin.
Doses are usually given at three- to four-week intervals, with other medications used to treat breast cancer. Some dosing schedules suggest that smaller doses be administered on a weekly basis. Very careful handling of this medication is required. Epirubicin is always given under the supervision of a doctor in a hospital or similar setting with access to sterile equipment for preparation.
As well as interfering with the genetic material DNA of cancer cells, epirubicin can interfere with some of your normal cells. This can cause a number of side effects such as hair loss and mouth sores. Keep track of any side effects and report them to your doctor as suggested in the section "What side effects are possible with this medication?"
The medication should be protected from light, stored in a refrigerator, and kept out of the reach of children.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Epirubicin should not be used by anyone who:
- is allergic to epirubicin other anthracyclines, anthracenediones, or any ingredients of the medication
- has heart failure, a recent heart attack, or a severe heart arrhythmia
- has low blood cell counts caused by previous treatment with cancer drugs or radiation therapy
- has previously been treated with maximal allowable lifetime doses of any anthracycline drug (e.g., doxorubicin, daunorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin) or mitoxantrone
- has severe liver disease