Idarubicin

Idarubicin is used along with other chemotherapy drugs in adults to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which is a type of blood cancer.

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

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

Idarubicin is usually given along with other cancer medicines. You may receive other medications to help prevent nausea, vomiting, or infections.

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

If any of this medication accidentally gets on your skin, wash it well with soap and warm water.

Idarubicin can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. You will need frequent medical tests. Your liver, kidney, and heart function may also need to be checked.

Idarubicin can raise your chance of bleeding or getting an infection. Contact your doctor if you notice any unusual bruising or bleeding, or if you experience new signs of infection (fever, chills, tiredness).

Idarubicin may lead to serious issues with your heart, particularly if you have heart problems, if you have taken specific cancer drugs before, or if you are over 60.

Get medical help immediately if you have chest pain, irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath, swelling, or quick weight gain.

Idarubicin can have serious effects on your heart, especially if you have heart issues, have had certain cancer treatments before, or are over 60 years old.

Inform your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems;
• radiation treatment;
• chemotherapy with doxorubicin, daunorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin, or mitoxantrone;
• bone marrow suppression;
• liver or kidney disease;
• gout;
• anemia (low red blood cells); or
• sepsis (a severe reaction to an infection).

Idarubicin can harm an unborn baby if either the mother or the father is taking idarubicin.

• If you are a woman, you may need a pregnancy test to confirm you are not pregnant. Use birth control while taking this medicine and for at least 6.5 months after your last dose.
• If you are a man, use birth control if your partner can become pregnant. Continue using birth control for at least 3.5 months after your last dose.
• Notify your doctor immediately if a pregnancy occurs.

Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine, and for at least 14 days after your last dose.

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

Idarubicin may cause dangerous effects on your heart. Tell your doctor right away if you have chest pain, shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, or rapid weight gain.

Idarubicin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• low blood cell counts--fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath;
• irritation or skin changes where the injection was given;
• pain, blisters, bleeding, or severe rash on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet;
• sores or white patches in or around your mouth; or
• severe nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, or diarrhea.

Common side effects of idarubicin may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea;
• mouth sores;
• bleeding;
• headache;
• rash; 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.

Usual Adult Dose for Acute Myeloid Leukemia:

12 mg/m2 daily for 3 days by slow (10 to 15 min) IV administration in combination with cytarabineMaximum recommended cumulative lifetime dose for the IV formulation: 150 mg/m2In patients with unequivocal evidence of leukemia after the first induction course, a second course may be administered.Comment:-Administration of the second course should be delayed in patients who experience severe mucositis until recovery has occurred, and a dose reduction of 25% is recommended. Use: For the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in combination with other approved antileukemic drug (including French-American-British [FAB] classifications M1 through M7)

Usual Adult Dose for Acute Nonlymphocytic Leukemia:

12 mg/m2 daily for 3 days by slow (10 to 15 min) IV administration in combination with cytarabineMaximum recommended cumulative lifetime dose for the IV formulation: 150 mg/m2In patients with unequivocal evidence of leukemia after the first induction course, a second course may be administered.Comment:-Administration of the second course should be delayed in patients who experience severe mucositis until recovery has occurred, and a dose reduction of 25% is recommended. Use: For the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in combination with other approved antileukemic drug (including French-American-British [FAB] classifications M1 through M7)

Call your doctor for guidance if you miss an appointment for your idarubicin injection.

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

Stay away from people who are sick or have infections. Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of infection.

Steer clear of activities that could lead to bleeding or injury. Be extra careful to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.

Tell your doctor about all other cancer medicines you have received in the past 7 months, especially:

• cyclophosphamide;
• paclitaxel; or
• trastuzumab.

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