Daunorubicin

Daunorubicin is used in combination with other drugs to treat leukemia.

Daunorubicin may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Daunorubicin may harm your heart and can also raise your chance of bleeding or getting an infection. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling or quick weight gain, fever, chills, fatigue, easy bruising, or unusual bleeding.

You should not use daunorubicin if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease;
• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicines); or
• if you have ever been treated with doxorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin, mitoxantrone, or liposomal daunorubicin (Daunoxome).

Using daunorubicin may increase your risk of developing other types of leukemia. Ask your doctor about your specific risk.

Daunorubicin may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using daunorubicin.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Daunorubicin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• pain, burning, irritation, or changes in the skin where the injection was given;
• heart problems—swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;
• low blood cell counts—fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed;
• kidney problems—little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired; or
• liver problems—loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of daunorubicin may include:

• sores or white patches in or around your mouth, trouble swallowing or talking, dry mouth, bad breath, altered sense of taste;
• red discoloration of the urine;
• nausea, vomiting; or
• hair loss.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Daunorubicin is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Before you receive each dose of daunorubicin, your heart function may need to be checked with an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG). Your kidney and liver function may also need to be checked.

You may be given other medications to help prevent serious side effects or an allergic reaction. Keep using these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when daunorubicin is injected.

Skin accidentally exposed to daunorubicin should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Daunorubicin can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. You will need frequent medical tests. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests.

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your daunorubicin injection.

Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to happen.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection.

Daunorubicin can damage your liver, particularly if you are also taking certain medications for infections, tuberculosis, birth control, hormone replacement, high cholesterol, heart issues, high blood pressure, seizures, pain, or arthritis (including Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, or Aleve).

Other medications may impact daunorubicin, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are currently using and any new medicines you begin or stop using.