IDARUBICIN - INJECTION

IDARUBICIN - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (eye-duh-REWB-eh-sin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Idamycin

GENERIC NAME(S): idarubicin HCl

Uses

USES: Idarubicin is used to treat a certain type of cancer (leukemia). It belongs to a class of drugs known as anthracyclines and works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.


How to use IDARUBICIN - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional, as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to treatment. If this medication touches your skin, immediately wash the area well with soap and water. If this medication gets in your eye, open the eyelids and flush with water for 15 minutes, then seek immediate medical attention. Drink plenty of fluids while using this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Doing so helps decrease the risk of certain side effects (e.g., increased uric acid).

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and headache may occur. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Eating several small meals, not eating before treatment, or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Temporary hair loss is a common side effect. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: severe abdominal pain, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion), numbness/tingling of arms/legs, rash/blisters on palms of hands/soles of feet, unusual bleeding/bruising (e.g., small red spots on the skin, black/bloody stools, bloody urine, vomit that looks like coffee grounds). Pain or sores in the mouth and throat may occur. Brush your teeth gently/carefully, avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol, and rinse your mouth frequently with cool water mixed with baking soda or salt. It may also be best to eat soft, moist foods. Get medical help right away if this rare but very serious side effect occurs: seizure. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), trouble breathing, severe dizziness. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using idarubicin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other anthracyclines (e.g., doxorubicin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood/bleeding disorders (e.g., anemia, low blood cell counts), gout, heart disease (e.g., congestive heart failure, irregular heartbeat), kidney disease, liver disease, radiation treatment (especially to chest area). Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose. Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections. To lower your risk of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication. Caution is advised when using this medication in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the effects on the heart. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. To avoid pregnancy, both males and females using this drug should use reliable form(s) of birth control (e.g., birth control pills, condoms) during treatment. Consult your doctor for details and to discuss effective forms of birth control. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: other anti-cancer drugs (especially anthracyclines such as doxorubicin).

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: irregular heartbeat, severe nausea/vomiting.

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Faq for IDARUBICIN - INJECTION

Idarubicin injection is used to treat certain types of leukemia (cancer of the white blood cells) and other types of cancer, including cancers of the breast and lung.

Idarubicin belongs to a class of medications called anthracyclines. It works by interfering with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Common side effects of Idarubicin injection may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth sores, hair loss, fatigue, and decreased blood cell counts.

Idarubicin injection is given directly into a vein (intravenous infusion) by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting. The dosage and schedule will depend on the specific condition being treated.

Yes, Idarubicin injection can cause serious heart-related side effects. It is not recommended for use in patients with a history of heart problems. It may also cause severe allergic reactions, so caution should be exercised in patients with known allergies.

Yes, Idarubicin injection may interact with other medications, including certain antibiotics, antifungal medications, and other chemotherapy drugs. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.

Idarubicin injection should be stored in the refrigerator, between 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit (2 to 8 degrees Celsius). It should not be frozen. The vials should be protected from light and kept out of the reach of children.

If you miss a dose of Idarubicin injection, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately for further instructions. Do not try to make up for a missed dose on your own.

The duration of treatment with Idarubicin injection can vary depending on the type and stage of cancer being treated. Your healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you.


Warning

WARNING: Idarubicin must be given only by injection slowly into a vein. Do not give by injection into a muscle or under the skin. If this medication accidentally leaks into the skin/muscle around the injection site, it may cause severe damage. Tell your doctor right away if you notice redness, pain, or swelling at or near the injection site. This medication may rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) heart problems (including heart failure). This may occur both during treatment or after treatment is completed. The risk of heart problems is affected by your dose, medical history (including heart disease, radiation treatment to the chest area, current infections, anemia), and previous use of this and other drugs (including doxorubicin). Tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms such as irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, or unusual/sudden weight gain. Idarubicin may cause certain severe blood and bone marrow disorders (low red blood cells/white blood cells/platelets). This can affect your body's ability to stop bleeding or fight infection. Tell your doctor right away if you develop easy bleeding/bruising or signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent sore throat). Very rarely, people with cancer who are treated with this type of medication have developed other cancers (e.g., secondary leukemia). The risk may be increased when this medication is given with certain anti-cancer drugs or radiation treatment. Consult your doctor for more details. Before starting treatment with this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems. Your dose may need to be adjusted.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.