Daunorubicin is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Daunorubicin interferes with the growth of
cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
Daunorubicin is used in the treatment of leukemia (blood cancer).
Daunorubicin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking daunorubicin?
Do not use daunorubicin without first talking to your doctor if you have
kidney disease;
liver disease;
heart disease;
poor bone marrow function;
received radiation therapy that encompassed the heart; or
previously received treatment with doxorubicin
(Adriamycin, Rubex), doxorubicin liposomal (Doxil), daunorubicin (Cerubidine), daunorubicin
liposomal (DaunoXome), idarubicin (Idamycin), or mitoxantrone (Novantrone).
The use of daunorubicin may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions
listed above.
Daunorubicin is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that daunorubicin is known
to be harmful to an unborn baby.
Do not
use daunorubicin without first talking to your
doctor if you are pregnant. Discuss with your doctor the appropriate use of birth control during
treatment with daunorubicin if necessary.
Daunorubicin passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Breast-feeding should
be avoided during treatment with daunorubicin.
Children have an increased risk of heart problems due to treatment with daunorubicin.
Growth and gonadal development may also be affected.
How should I take daunorubicin?
Daunorubicin should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare
provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with daunorubicin
depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any
questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.
Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical
evaluations during treatment with daunorubicin to monitor progress and side effects.
Skin accidentally exposed to daunorubicin should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm
water.
Your healthcare provider will store daunorubicin as directed by the manufacturer. If you are
storing daunorubicin at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.
What happens if I miss a dose of daunorubicin?
Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of daunorubicin.
Where can I get more information about daunorubicin?
Your pharmacist has information about daunorubicin written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of daunorubicin?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects from daunorubicin, contact your
doctor immediately:
an allergic reaction (including difficulty breathing; closing of the
throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
decreased bone marrow function and blood problems
(extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; or fever, chills, or
signs of infection);
tissue or vein reactions near the site of administration;
liver damage (abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or
eyes);
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite;
inflamation or sores inside the mouth, throat, or intestines;
rash, itching, or hives;
fever, chills, or other signs of infection; or
increased levels of uric acid in the body (joint pain and
stiffness).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking
daunorubicin and talk to your doctor if you experience:
temporary hair loss; or
red colored urine for 1 or 2 days following a dose.
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. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about daunorubicin?
Daunorubicin should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare
provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
Serious side effects have been reported with the use of daunorubicin including: allergic reactions
(difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); severe heart
damage with prolonged use; decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue;
easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection); severe
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side
effects from treatment with daunorubicin.
What should I avoid while taking daunorubicin?
Daunorubicin can lower the activity of your immune system making you susceptible to
infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses and do not
receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with
daunorubicin. In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live
vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you.
Skin accidentally exposed to daunorubicin should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm
water.
What other drugs will affect daunorubicin?
Do not use daunorubicin without first talking to your doctor if you have had previous
treatment with doxorubicin (Adriamycin, Rubex), doxorubicin liposomal (Doxil), daunorubicin
(Cerubidine), daunorubicin liposomal (DaunoXome), idarubicin (Idamycin), or mitoxantrone
(Novantrone). Because there is a maximum amount of these medications that should be administered to
an individual, you may not be able to use daunorubicin.
Before using daunorubicin, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Cytoxan Lyophilized, Neosar); or
methotrexate (Folex PFS, Rheumatrex Dose Pack ).
You may not be able to take daunorubicin, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment with daunorubicin. Administration of a live
vaccine may be dangerous during treatment with daunorubicin.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with daunorubicin. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal
products, during treatment with daunorubicin.
What happens if I have an overdose of daunorubicin?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009