What is epirubicin?
Epirubicin is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.
Epirubicin is used to treat breast cancer.
Epirubicin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about epirubicin?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to epirubicin or similar medications (Cerubidine, Adriamycin, Idamycin, Novantrone), or if you have an untreated or uncontrolled infection, severe liver disease, severe heart problems, or if you have recently had a heart attack.
Epirubcin can have serious side effects on your heart. Before you are treated with epirubicin, tell your doctor if you have a history of heart disease, heart rhythm disorder, congestive heart failure, or heart attack.
Also tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially about any other cancer medications or treatments you have received (including radiation).
Do not use epirubicin if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.
Epirubicin can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. Your blood may need to be tested often. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding injury. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using epirubicin, or you could develop a serious infection.
Using epirubicin may increase your risk of developing other types of cancer, such as leukemia. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before I receive epirubicin?
Before you are treated with epirubicin, tell your doctor about all other cancer medications and treatments you have received, including radiation.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to epirubicin or similar medications (Cerubidine, Adriamycin, Idamycin, Novantrone), or if you have:
an untreated or uncontrolled infection (including mouth sores);
severe liver disease;
severe heart problems; or
if you have recently had a heart attack.
To make sure you can safely receive epirubicin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
liver or kidney disease;
a weak immune system caused by prior cancer treatments;
heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, congestive heart failure; or
if you have ever had a heart attack.
Using epirubicin may increase your risk of developing other types of cancer, such as leukemia. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use epirubicin if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Use birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are receiving epirubicin, whether you are a man or a woman. Epirubicin use by either parent may cause birth defects.
It is not known whether epirubicin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using epirubicin.