Daunorubicin Citrate Liposome (Injection)

Daunorubicin Citrate Liposome (daw-noe-ROO-bi-sin SIT-rate LYE-poh-some)

Treats Kaposi's sarcoma in patients who have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Brand Name(s):

Daunoxome
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to daunorubicin.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• This medicine, like all medicines used to treat cancer, is very strong. Make sure you understand why you are getting it and what the risks and benefits of treatment are. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor.
• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it will be given.
• Your medicine will be given directly into a vein, usually in your arm or chest. This is called intravenous (in-tra-VEEN-us), or IV.
• A nurse or other caregiver trained to give cancer drugs will give your treatment.
• If you have your treatments at a clinic, the staff at the clinic will keep your medicine there.
• If you have your treatments at home, you may need to store your medicine. You should receive your medicine already mixed and in an IV bag. Use the medicine as soon as possible after it has been mixed. If you cannot give the medicine right away, you can keep the IV bag in the refrigerator for up to 6 hours. After 6 hours, a new bag of medicine should be used.
• Take the medicine out of the refrigerator about an hour before your treatment and let it warm to room temperature.
• Before your treatment, check your IV bag to make sure there are no leaks.
• When you give the medicine, You should not use IV tubing that has a filter either attached or on-line.
• Do not get the medicine on your skin. If this does happen wash the area with soap and water, and tell your caregiver right away.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or the clinic where you have your treatments for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Look at the liquid in the bag. It should be red in color. You should not use the medicine if it changes color or has lumps or solid pieces in it.
• If you have your treatments at home, you should be given a special container for the used needles, medicine bag or bottles, and tubes. Put it where children or pets cannot reach it.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines may become harmful when taken with daunorubicin liposomal. Make sure you tell your doctor what other medicines you are taking.
• You should not use aspirin or any product that has aspirin in it (such as some cold medicines) unless you have talked to your doctor.
• Talk to your doctor before getting any vaccines (such as flu shots).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Do not breastfeed while you are getting this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you have an infection, gout, or heart disease (especially congestive heart failure, or CHF), liver disease, or kidney disease before you receive this medicine.
• If you start to have pain, redness, or swelling where the IV is given, tell your health caregiver right away.
• Tell your doctor if you have back pain, flushing in your face, or a tight feeling in your chest while you are having your treatment. These symptoms may mean you are getting the medicine too fast.
• This medicine may turn your urine red for 1 or 2 days after your treatment. This is normal. You may want to protect your clothing from being stained.
• You may get infections more easily while being treated with this medicine. Stay away from crowds or people with colds, flu, or other infections.
• This medicine can cause nausea and vomiting. Your doctor may prescribe medicine for you to keep you from feeling sick. If the medicine does not help (you can't keep liquids down), call your doctor.
• Your doctor may want to test your blood counts on a regular schedule while you are getting this medicine. Keep all appointments your doctor makes for you.
• Daunorubicin liposomal is made differently than regular daunorubicin (Cerubidine®). Some patients who were not helped by regular daunorubicin may have better results with daunorubicin liposomal. However, the liposomal form may cause different side effects than regular daunorubicin.
• Do not get pregnant while you or your sexual partner are receiving daunorubicin. Use an effective form of birth control while you are being treated with this medicine.
• If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before you start your treatments. Daunorubicin may be harmful to an unborn baby.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Fever, chills, or sore throat
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Trouble breathing, swelling in feet or ankles
• Hives, rash, or severe itching
• Uncontrollable vomiting or diarrhea
• Pain, numbness, or tingling in hands or feet
• Redness, swelling, or pain where the IV is given

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Nausea, appetite loss
• Mild diarrhea
• Hair loss

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.