An antibiotic/antineoplastic - This medicine is used to treat acute leukemias
FDA Alerts
Extravasation
Severe local tissue necrosis if extravasation occurs. Do not administer IM or sub-Q. (See Local Effects under Cautions.)
Myocardial Toxicity
Possible cardiotoxicity and potentially fatal CHF during or months to years after therapy; increased risk with cumulative dosages >400–550 mg/m2 in adults, >300 mg/m2 in children >2 years of age, or >10 mg/kg in children <2 years of age. (See Cardiotoxicity under Cautions.)
Monitor cardiac function regularly, especially in patients with pre-existing cardiac disease or those who have received prior anthracyclines or have had prior radiotherapy encompassing the heart.
Myelosuppression
Severe myelosuppression may occur, possibly resulting in infection or hemorrhage. (See Hematologic Effects under Cautions.)
Hepatic and Renal Impairment
Reduce dosage in patients with hepatic or renal impairment. (See Special Populations under Dosage and Administration.)
Experience of Supervising Clinician
Administer only under the supervision of qualified clinician experienced in the use of antineoplastic agents. Use only when adequate treatment facilities for appropriate management of therapy and complications are available.
Infusion-related Effects
Triad of back pain, flushing, and chest tightness reported in patients receiving liposomal daunorubicin citrate; generally occurs during first 5 minutes of infusion, subsides with infusion interruption, and generally does not recur if infusion resumed at slower rate. (See Infusion-related Effects under Cautions.)
This drug is given as an infusion into a vein. It is administered in a hospital or clinic by a specially trained health care professional. If you have pain, swelling, burning or any unusual feeling around the site of your injection, tell your health care professional right away.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine. You will need important blood work done while you are taking this medicine.
This drug may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon, as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.
You urine may turn red for a few days after your dose. This is not blood. If your urine is dark or brown, call your doctor.
In some cases, you may be given additional medicines to help with side effects. Follow all directions for their use.
Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.
Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medicine.
Avoid taking products that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your doctor. These medicines may hide a fever.
Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.
Men may have a lower sperm count while taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor if you plan to father a child.