Doxorubicin

What is this medication for?

Doxorubicin is a chemotherapy drug used to treat lymphomas and solid tumours. It may be used in combination with other types of chemotherapy drugs.

How should I take or use this medication?

Doxorubicin is given via an injection into the vein.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

• Early side-effects
  • Nausea and vomiting may occur during and after treatment and may last for 3 to 5 days.
    • You may be given anti-vomiting medications, take them as directed to help prevent or decrease these side effects.
    • Take small, frequent meals.
  • Pain or skin blisters may happen around the injection site if the drug escapes from the vein.
    • Inform the nurse immediately if you have any burning sensation, redness or swelling around the area of injection.
  • Urine may appear pink, orange or red for 1 to 2 days after the drug is given.
    • This is expected and is harmless but do inform your nurse or doctor if this lasts for more than 2 days.
• Delayed side-effects
  • A drop in the blood cell counts. This may put you at a higher risk of infections, bleeding or bruising, or feeling tired.
    • To reduce risks of getting an infection, practise good personal hygiene, avoid crowded places or people who are sick and avoid eating raw food
    • To reduce risks of bleeding and bruising, do not pick your nose. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
    • If you are feeling tired, do not drive or engage in activities that require concentration.
  • Temporary hair loss may start to occur 2 weeks after treatment
    • Wear a wig or hat, and use a gentle shampoo
  • Mouth ulcers and/or tenderness
    • Brush your teeth after eating and at bedtime with a soft toothbrush
    • Rinse and brush your dentures after eating and soak them in denture solution overnight
    • Rinse your mouth regularly with an alcohol-free mouthwash or salt water. This will help to reduce risks of getting an infection
  • Diarrhea
    • Drink at least two litres (8 cups) of water every day when you are having diarrhea
    • Avoid milk, dairy products, high fibre food or spicy food whilst you are having diarrhea
  • Nail changes (changes in color, appearance of lines, loosening of nails from nail beds)
    • Wear gloves when washing dishes or using detergents
    • Inform your doctor if you have pain, redness or swelling around your nails

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

• Fever of 38° C or higher
• Pain and itchiness, redness or swelling at or near injection site
• Unusual bleeding, bruising on the skin or black sticky stools
• Signs of heart problems such as shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, swelling of the lower legs, fast or uneven heartbeat, or chest pain

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Avoid taking traditional chinese medication (TCM) or ‘jamu’ while you are on this medication