Doxorubicin liposomal Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

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# Doxorubicin liposomal

Generic name: doxorubicin liposomal [ DOX-oh-ROO-bi-sin-LYE-poe-SOE-mal ]
Brand names: Doxil, Lipodox, Lipodox 50
Dosage form: intravenous dispersion (2 mg/mL)
Drug class: Antibiotics / antineoplastics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 14, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

## What is doxorubicin liposomal?

Doxorubicin liposomal is used to treat ovarian cancer, AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma, and multiple myeloma.

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

## Warnings

Doxorubicin liposomal may cause dangerous effects on your heart. Call your doctor at once if you feel very weak or tired, or have fast heartbeats, shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), or swelling in your ankles or feet.

Tell your caregivers right away if you have side effects during the injection, such as fever, chills, trouble breathing, feeling light-headed, chest pain or tightness, fast heartbeats, swelling in your face, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nails.

## Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to doxorubicin.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

- kidney or liver disease;

- heart disease; or

- radiation treatment to your chest.

Tell your doctor about all other cancer medicines or radiation treatments you have received in the past.

Long-term use of doxorubicin liposomal may increase your risk of developing certain other types of mouth cancer. Ask your doctor about your specific risk.

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.

Both men and women using doxorubicin liposomal should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Doxorubicin liposomal can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects if the mother or father is using this medicine.

Keep using birth control for at least 6 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using doxorubicin liposomal.

This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in both men and women. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because doxorubicin liposomal can harm an unborn baby.

Doxorubicin liposomal may also cause early menopause, depending on your age when you receive this medicine. Ask your doctor about this risk.

You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.

## How is doxorubicin liposomal given?

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

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

If this medicine accidentally gets on your skin, wash it thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Doxorubicin can lower your blood cell counts. Your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.

Detailed Doxorubicin liposomal dosage information

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your doxorubicin liposomal injection.

## What happens if I overdose?

Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur. However, overdose symptoms may include fever, chills, flu symptoms, unusual bruising or bleeding, mouth sores, trouble swallowing, and altered sense of taste.

## What should I avoid while using doxorubicin liposomal?

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.

## Doxorubicin liposomal side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel feverish, chilled, light-headed, short of breath, itchy, warm or tingly, or have a headache, pain or tightness in your chest or throat, back pain, fast heartbeats, swelling in your face, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nails.

Doxorubicin liposomal may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

- blisters or ulcers in your mouth, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing;

- hand-foot syndrome--pain, redness, numbness, and peeling skin on your hands or feet;

- 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; or

- signs of heart problems--fast heartbeats, shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), feeling very weak or tired, swelling in your ankles or feet.

Doxorubicin liposomal may cause your urine to turn a reddish-orange color. This side effect is usually not harmful.

Common side effects of doxorubicin liposomal may include:

- low blood cell counts;

- fever;

- feeling weak or tired;

- loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting;

- constipation, diarrhea;

- hand-foot syndrome;

- 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.

Doxorubicin liposomal side effects (more detail)

## What other drugs will affect doxorubicin liposomal?

Other drugs may affect doxorubicin liposomal, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Doxorubicin liposomal drug interactions (more detail)

## Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

## Popular FAQ

What is the chemo drug called the Red Devil?

The chemotherapy (“chemo”) drug “The Red Devil” is doxorubicin (Adriamycin), an intravenous injection with a clear, bright red color used to treat various cancers. It may cause your urine or other body fluids to turn a reddish-orange color for 1 to 2 days after a dose is given, which is normal and temporary. Doxorubicin can also cause harsh side effects such as heart toxicity (heart failure), secondary cancers, severe vomiting and total hair loss (alopecia). Continue reading

What is the strongest chemotherapy drug for breast cancer?

Doxorubicin is considered one of the strongest chemotherapy drugs for breast cancer ever invented. It can kill cancer cells at every point in their life cycle, and it's used to treat a wide variety of cancers, not just breast cancer. Doxorubicin is also known as “The Red Devil” because it is a clear bright red color. It can cause your urine or other body fluids to turn a reddish color for 1 to 2 days after a dose is given, which is normal and temporary. Continue reading

## More about doxorubicin liposomal

- Check interactions
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (2)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: antibiotics/antineoplastics
- En español

### Patient resources

- Advanced Reading

#### Other brands

Doxil, Lipodox, Lipodox 50

### Related treatment guides

- Kaposi's Sarcoma
- Multiple Myeloma
- Ovarian Cancer

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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