Daunorubicin (Injection)

Introduction

Daunorubicin (daw-noe-ROO-bi-sin)

Used with other cancer medicines to treat different kinds of leukemia.

Brand Name(s)

Cerubidine

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

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 you your treatments.
• Do not get the medicine on your skin. If this happens, wash the area with soap and water, and tell your caregiver right away.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or the clinic where you have 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. Keep the IV liquid away from heat and light. If you keep the IV liquid in the refrigerator, it must be used within 2 days. If the liquid is kept at room temperature, it must be used within 24 hours.
• Keep all medicine away from 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 daunorubicin. Make sure your doctor knows what medicines you take.
• 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.
• Talk to your doctor before getting any vaccines (such as flu shots).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Do not breastfeed while you are getting this medicine.
• Before you start your treatments, make sure your doctor knows if you have an infection, gout, or heart, liver, or kidney disease.
• This medicine may turn your urine red for 1 or 2 days after your treatment. This is normal. You may want 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 can cause nausea and vomiting. Your doctor may prescribe medicine for you to keep you from feeling sick. If the medicine does not help (you can't keep liquids down), call your doctor.
• Your doctor may want you to have blood and heart tests on a regular schedule while you are taking this medicine. Keep all of your appointments, or reschedule any appointments you miss.
• Do not get pregnant while you or your sexual partner is receiving daunorubicin. 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:

• Fatigue, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeat
• Fever, chills, or sore throat
• Hives, rash, or severe itching
• Pain, redness, or swelling where the IV is given
• Rapid weight gain or swelling of hands, ankles, or feet
• Severe vomiting
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

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

• Hair loss
• Nausea, loss of appetite

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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088