DAUNOMYCIN

Side effects of Daunorubicin 

This medicine may cause some major and minor side effects. It requires immediate medical attention otherwise it can also lead to higher risk. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with the doctor before starting the treatment. 

Common side effects 

• Infections 

• Joint pain 

• Nausea 

• Mouth ulcers 

• Abdominal pain 

• Diarrhea 

• Vomiting 

• Shortness of breath 

• Constipation 

• Dizziness 

• Loss of appetite 

• Fatigue 

• Dehydration 

• Fever 

• Decrease in white blood cells and platelets. 

• Unusual bruising

• Red spots on the skin 

• Seizure 

• Anemia 

• Stomatitis 

• Allergic reaction 

• Irregular heartbeat 

• Back pain 

• Pain at the injection site 

• Swelling of feet and lower legs 

• Painful or difficult urination 

• Hair loss 

• Infections 

• Cough 

• Blood in urine 

• Pale skin 

Note- please contact your doctor, if any side effects occur.

Dosage

Take this injection as prescribed by your doctor. The injection is given as an infusion into your vein by a doctor or nurse. Do not self administer. 

Missed dose 

•  It is advisable not to miss a dose. If you miss an appointment for a scheduled dose of this medicine, contact your doctor immediately. 

Overdose 

• In case of an overdose, the doctor will provide emergency medical treatment. 

Usage of Daunorubicin

Daunorubicin is an anti-cancer medication, which is used to treat a type of cancer that affects the red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells except for lymphocytes. This medication damages the genetic material DNA of the cancer cells and stops their growth and multiplication. Do not skip or miss the dosing schedule. It is important to take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your medical advisor. This medicine is not recommended in pregnant women. Avoid activities that may increase the risk of infections.

Warnings 

Before starting treatment with Daunorubicin, please inform your doctor about your previous medical history. If you experience any symptoms while receiving this medication, do not ignore those symptoms because it may lead to higher risk. 

•  Contraception 

  • Use effective methods of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine. 

• Children and adolescents 

  • This medicine is not advisable for use in children and adolescents 

Warnings for female 

• Pregnancy 

  • Do not use Daunorubicin if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.  Avoid this medication at the time of pregnancy. 

• Breastfeeding 

• This medicine is not recommended in breastfeeding unless it is necessary. Please consult your medical advisor before starting treatment with this medication.

Precautions

• Patients with a history of heart disease need close monitoring because this medication can affect your heart.  

• Close monitoring of blood cell count is required. The doctor will not start the treatment if your blood cell count is low. 

• This medicine may increase the risk of toxic effects on the liver and kidneys. 

• Do not receive any vaccines while having treatment with this medicine. 

• Avoid contact with people who have infections. 

• This medication can reduce the number of platelet cells in the blood. 

Cautions

• Not safe for pregnant women. 

• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery. 

• Do not self administer this medicine.

• Do not breastfeed while receiving this medication. 

• May decrease blood count 

Q1. What is Daunorubicin? 
Ans. This medication is used to treat a certain type of cancer (Kaposi’s sarcoma). Daunorubicin belongs to the group of antineoplastic (cancer-fighting medicines) known as anthracyclines. This medication works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. 
Q2. How does Daunorubicin work? 
Ans. This is an anti-cancer medication. This medication damages the genetic material DNA of the cancer cells and stops their growth and multiplication. 

Q3. What are the side effects? 

Ans. Some common side effects are:- nausea, infections, back pain, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, anemia, stomatitis, fatigue, etc. 

Q4. In what strength is it available? 

Ans. It is available in the strength of 20mg. 

Q5. What should I avoid while receiving this medicine? 

Ans.  Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restriction on other activities.    

Q6. What happens if I miss a dose? 

Ans. If you miss a scheduled dose of this medicine, contact your doctor immediately. 

Q7. How is Daunorubicin given? 

Ans. It is given as an infusion into the vein. Do not self administer this medicine. 

Q8. Can I drive after taking this medicine? 

Ans. This medicine may affect your vision. Do not drive if any symptoms occur. 

Q9. Can I consume alcohol while taking this medicine? 

Ans. Please consult your doctor before consuming alcohol. 

Q10. Does this affect kidney function? 

Ans. This medicine may affect kidney function. Please consult your doctor before consuming this drug. 

Q11. Can I take this medicine during pregnancy?

Ans. This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women. 

Q12. Does this affect liver function? 

Ans. This medicine may affect liver function. Please consult your doctor before consuming this drug. 

Q13. Can I take this medicine during breastfeeding?

Ans. This medicine is not recommended in breastfeeding unless it is necessary.

Interactions 

Interactions may change how your medication works and increase the risk for side effects. Don’t forget to disclose your previous medical history with the doctor. 

Medicine interactions

• Clozapine 

• Methadone 

• Ziprasidone

• Etanercept 

• Tofacitinib 

• Ribociclib 

• Atorvastatin 

Disease interactions 

• This medication is not recommended in patients with Bone marrow suppression. 

• Use with caution in patients with heart disease because it increases the risk of congestive heart failure. 

• This medicine can cause serious infections. 

Alcohol interaction

• Interaction with alcohol is unknown. Please consult your doctor before consuming alcohol. 

Contraindications

• This medicine is not recommended for use in patients who have infections. 

• The injection is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to Daunorubicin.  

• This medicine is contracted in patients known to be hypersensitive.