Epirubicin

Epirubicin is used to treat breast cancer.

Epirubicin may also be used for other reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

Your doctor will do blood tests to check for any conditions that would stop you from safely using epirubicin.

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

Let your caregivers know if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when epirubicin is being injected.

If any epirubicin accidentally touches your skin, wash it off thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Epirubicin affects your immune system. You may be more likely to get infections, including serious or fatal ones. Your blood will need to be tested frequently. Your heart function may also need to be checked with an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG). Your cancer treatments may be postponed based on the results of these tests.

You may receive other medications to help prevent infections or certain side effects. Continue taking these medicines for as long as your doctor has instructed.

You should not use epirubicin if you have an untreated or uncontrolled infection, severe liver disease, severe heart problems, or if you have recently had a heart attack. You may not be able to use epirubicin if you have already been treated with a certain amount of other cancer medications.

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

Epirubicin can cause dangerous effects on your heart that may not be reversible and could occur months to years after you receive epirubicin. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of heart problems: swelling, rapid weight gain, shortness of breath.

Epirubicin affects your immune system. You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. You will need frequent medical tests and your cancer treatments may be delayed.

Before you start treatment with epirubicin, inform your doctor about all other cancer medications and treatments you have had, including radiation.

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to epirubicin or similar medications (like daunorubicin, doxorubicin, idarubicin, mitoxantrone, or valrubicin), or if you have:

• an untreated or uncontrolled infection (including mouth sores);
• severe liver disease;
• severe heart problems; or
• if you have recently had a heart attack.

You may not be able to take epirubicin if you have received a certain amount of other cancer medications in the past.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems;
• radiation treatment in your chest area;
• liver or kidney disease;
• bone marrow suppression; or
• chemotherapy with doxorubicin, daunorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin, or mitoxantrone.

Using epirubicin may raise your risk of developing other cancers, such as leukemia. Discuss this risk with your doctor.

Both men and women taking this medicine should use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy. Epirubicin can harm an unborn baby if either parent is using this medicine.

Epirubicin may cause you to stop having menstrual periods and could lead to premature menopause. Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns about these risks.

You should not breastfeed while using epirubicin.

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

Epirubicin can cause dangerous effects on your heart that may not be reversible and could happen months to years after you receive epirubicin. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of heart problems: swelling, rapid weight gain, shortness of breath.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

• fast or slow heartbeats;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin;
• unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet;
• pain, blistering, redness, bruising, or skin changes where the injection was given;
• severe vomiting;
• dehydration symptoms--feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin;
• fluid build-up in or around the lungs--pain when you breathe, feeling short of breath while lying down, wheezing, gasping for breath, cough with foamy mucus, cold and clammy skin, anxiety, rapid heartbeats;
• signs of tumor cell breakdown--tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fast or slow heart rate, tingling in your hands and feet or around your mouth; or
• signs of infection--fever, chills, flu symptoms, mouth sores, shallow breathing, pale or blue-colored skin.

Common side effects of epirubicin may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• temporary hair loss;
• blisters or ulcers in your mouth, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing;
• hot flashes, missed menstrual periods;
• discoloration of your skin or nails;
• lack of energy; or
• red-colored urine for 1 or 2 days after each injection.

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.

Usual Adult Dose for Breast Cancer -- Adjuvant:

Initial dose: 100 to 120 mg/m2 IV in repeated 3- to 4-week cycles; either total dose on Day 1 of each cycle, or divided equally and given on Days 1 and 8 of each cycleCEF-120 regimen (repeat every 28 days for 6 cycles):-Cyclophosphamide: 75 mg/m2 orally on Days 1 to 14-Epirubicin: 60 mg/m2 IV on Days 1 and 8-5-Fluorouracil: 500 mg/m2 IV on Days 1 and 8FEC-100 regimen (repeat every 21 days for 6 cycles):-5-Fluorouracil: 500 mg/m2 IV on Day 1 -Epirubicin: 100 mg/m2 IV on Day 1-Cyclophosphamide: 500 mg/m2 IV on Day 1Recommended infusion rates:-For starting doses of 100 to 120 mg/m2, give the infusion over 15 to 20 minutes.-For patients who require lower starting doses due to organ dysfunction or who require modification of doses during therapy, the infusion time may be proportionally decreased, but should not be less than 3 minutes to minimize the risk of thrombosis or perivenous extravasation, which could lead to severe cellulitis, vesication, or tissue necrosis.-A direct push injection is not recommended due to the risk of extravasation, which may occur even in the presence of adequate blood return upon needle aspiration. Venous sclerosis may result from injection into small vessels or repeated injections into the same vein.Comments:-Doses are manufacturer suggested. Consult local protocol.-Consider use of antiemetics when given in conjunction with other emetogenic drugs.-Patients administered the 120 mg/m2 regimen should receive prophylactic antibiotics.Use: As adjuvant therapy in patients with evidence of axillary node tumor involvement following resection of primary breast cancer

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

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding any restrictions on food, drinks, or activities.

Tell your doctor about all the other medicines you are taking, especially:

• cimetidine (Tagamet);
• other cancer medicines; or
• heart or blood pressure medication.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect epirubicin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.