Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Liposome (Injection)

Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Liposome (dox-oh-ROO-bi-sin hye-droe-KLOR-ide LYE-poh-some)

Treats Kaposi's sarcoma in patients who have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and cancer of the ovary.

Brand Name(s):

Doxil
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not be given this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to doxorubicin.

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.
• 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 well with soap and water, and tell your caregiver.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a regular schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or clinic where you get your treatments for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• 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. You can keep the IV bag in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Do not freeze. After 24 hours, a new bag of medicine should be used.
• 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.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
• 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.

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 doxorubicin liposomal (such as other anti-cancer drugs or radiation). 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.
• Avoid drinking alcohol.
• Talk to your doctor before getting any vaccines (such as flu shots).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Avoid becoming pregnant and breastfeeding while you are being treated with this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease or heart disease (especially congestive heart failure, or CHF) before you get this medicine.
• If you start to have pain, redness, or swelling where the IV is given, tell your caregiver right away.
• Tell your doctor if you have back pain, flushing in your face, shortness of breath, headache, swelling in your face, or a tight feeling in your chest or throat while you are having your treatment. You may be getting the medicine too fast or having a reaction to the medicine.
• This medicine may turn your urine red for 1 or 2 days after your treatment. This is normal. You may need 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 may make your mouth sore and irritated. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush or mouth swab.
• Doxorubicin can cause nausea and vomiting. Your doctor may prescribe medicine to keep you from feeling sick and throwing up. 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.
• Doxorubicin liposomal is made differently than regular doxorubicin (Adriamycin®). Some patients who were not helped by regular doxorubicin may have better results with doxorubicin liposomal. However, the liposomal form may cause different side effects than regular doxorubicin.
• Do not get pregnant while you or your sexual partner are receiving doxorubicin. 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.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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

• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Fever, chills, or sore throat
• Hives, rash, or severe itching
• Redness, swelling, or pain where the IV is given
• Redness, swelling, peeling, and pain in your hands or feet
• Trouble breathing, swelling in feet or ankles
• Uncontrollable vomiting or diarrhea
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

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

• Hair loss
• Nausea, appetite loss

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