Epirubicin
Information about Epirubicin
Epirubicin uses
Epirubicin is used in the treatment of cancer.
How epirubicin works
Epirubicin is an anti-cancer medication. It works by suppressing the activity of an enzyme (topoisomerase II) involved in DNA multiplication of the breast cancer cells. It also forms harmful chemicals (free radicals) which cause DNA damage. This slows the growth of breast cancer cells and eventually kills them.
Common side effects of epirubicin
Nausea, Low blood platelets, Hair loss, Absence of menstrual periods, Fever, Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Diarrhea, Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils), Weight loss, Hot flashes, Gastrointestinal inflammation, Rash
Available Medicine for Epirubicin
Expert advice for Epirubicin
- Epirubicin is used alone or in combination with other medicines for the treatment of various types of cancers.
- It is given through a drip into a vein (intravenous infusion) by a doctor or nurse.
- It may make you feel tired or sleepy. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
- Use a reliable contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping treatment.
- Your doctor may get regular blood tests done to monitor your blood cells, liver, and heart function during treatment with this medicine.
- Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of infection such as fever, sore throat or rash.
Frequently asked questions for Epirubicin
Epirubicin
Q. Is Epirubicin a vesicant (agent that causes tissue blistering and damage)?
Yes, Epirubicin is a vesicant; it may cause tissue blistering if it leaks out of the vein.
Q. How effective is Epirubicin?
Epirubicin is effective in the treatment of various cancers including cancer of the breast, ovary, stomach, lung, bowel or rectum, malignant lymphomas (a type of blood cancer of infection-fighting cells of the blood) such as Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, leukemia (blood cancer), multiple myeloma (a type of blood cancer of infection-fighting cells of the blood). It may be used in bladder cancers and to prevent reoccurrence of bladder cancer after surgery. It effectively slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in the body.