idarubicin

What is the most important information I should know about idarubicin?

Idarubicin may cause dangerous effects on your heart, especially if you have heart problems, if you have received certain cancer drugs in the past, or if you are over 60.

What is idarubicin?

Idarubicin is used in combination chemotherapy in adults to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a type of blood cancer.

Idarubicin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving idarubicin?

Idarubicin may cause dangerous effects on your heart, especially if you have heart problems, if you have received certain cancer drugs in the past, or if you are over 60.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems;
• radiation treatment;
• chemotherapy with doxorubicin, daunorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin, or mitoxantrone;
• bone marrow suppression;
• liver or kidney disease;
• gout;
• anemia (low red blood cells); or
• sepsis (a severe reaction to an infection).

• If you are a woman, you may need a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant. Use birth control while using this medicine and for at least 6.5 months after your last dose.
• If you are a man, use birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3.5 months after your last dose.
• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs.

How is idarubicin given?

Idarubicin is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Idarubicin is usually given together with other cancer medicines. You may be given other medications to prevent nausea, vomiting, or infections.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when idarubicin is injected.

Idarubicin can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. You will need frequent medical tests. Your liver, kidney, and heart function may also need to be checked.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while receiving idarubicin?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.

What are the possible side effects of idarubicin?

• low blood cell counts --fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath;
• irritation or skin changes where the injection was given;
• pain, blisters, bleeding, or severe rash on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet;
• sores or white patches in or around your mouth; or
• severe nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, or diarrhea.

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea;
• mouth sores;
• bleeding;
• headache;
• rash; or
• hair loss.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect idarubicin?

Tell your doctor about all other cancer medicines you have received in the past 7 months, especially:

• cyclophosphamide;
• paclitaxel; or
• trastuzumab.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect idarubicin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about idarubicin.