Forgot Your Password?
Create an Account

This item requires a prescription from your doctor.

General Information On Adriamycin

Adriamycin is an anti-cancer medication used for treating different types of cancer, including ovarian cancer, breast cancer, soft tissue and bone cancer, transitional cell bladder cancer, gastric cancer, thyroid cancer, and bronchogenic cancer. Its generic name is Doxorubicn, and it belongs to the category of drugs termed as antineoplastic medicines. You can buy Adriamycin in the form of an injection. This drug works by interfering with the growth of the cancer cells so that their spread and growth in the body is slowed down. Adriamycin can also be used as a part of adjuvant therapy in patients with axillary lymph node involvement after resection of the primary breast cancer.

Side Effects for Adriamycin

Loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea and diarrhea can commonly occur. These side effects can be easily managed, but if any of these become uncontrollable, you should contact your doctor. After a few hours of receiving your first Adriamycin injection, your tears, sweat and urine may become reddish in color. This is a normal side effect. Hair loss may also take place temporarily, but your normal hair pattern will return once Adriamycin treatment ends. Sometimes, you may witness a fungal infection in your nail beds. The serious side effects of the drug include joint pain, persistent diarrhea, cough, hoarseness, flushing or redness of the face, eye itching or redness, extreme tiredness, pain in the lower back, stomach, abdomen, or sides, difficulty urinating or painful urination, missed or stopped menstrual periods, bloody discharge or mucus in the stools, tarry or black stools, shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles or feet, or severe dizziness. If any of these occur, you should immediately seek medical help.

Painful sores on the lips, throat or mouth may occur. If you experience chest pain, this can be a serious side effect of the drug, and you may need immediate medical attention. Skin reactions may also occur even after days of Adriamycin treatment. You may develop pain, blisters, swelling, redness or peeling on your skin. If Adriamycin is given to a child, he or she may develop radiation recall in the lungs. Symptoms of such a condition are trouble breathing and wheezing. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.

Precautions

Adriamycin is not meant to be used by patients suffering from kidney, heart or liver disease, poor functioning of the bone marrow, or those who have received radiation therapy encompassing the heart. In order to prevent vomiting and nausea, you should not eat anything before Adriamycin treatment. You can also make some changes in your lifestyle and diet, such as limiting activities and eating small meals throughout the day. In order to prevent painful sores on the lips, limit your intake of hot drinks and foods, avoid using mouthwashes that contain alcohol, rinse your mouth with cool water frequently, and brush your teeth carefully. Avoid being exposed to the sun for long periods. If you need to go out, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen.

Adriamycin Dosage

Adriamycin 60 to 75mg/m2 is given to the patient intravenously at an interval of 21 days. The duration of the treatment depends on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Interactions

Do not buy Adriamycin if you are already taking calcium channel blockers, digoxin, cyclosporine, phenytoin, streptozocin, progesterone, idovudine, or stavudine. Also avoid the intake of products or foods that contain turmeric, as it may decrease the drug’s effects. Be sure to let your doctor know about all medicines that you are currently taking.