Chemo Drugs

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Epirubicin (Ellence)

What Does It Look Like?

Clear red liquid

How Is It Given?

• Intravenous (vein)

Why Am I Taking It?

Epirubicin is an anti-cancer drug that stops cells from dividing. This drug is used to treat breast cancer.

What Side Effects May Occur?

You may experience some, all, or none of those listed. Most side effects do not last long. Tell the doctor or nurse about any that you notice. The information here does not include all possible side effects; others may occur. Please report any problems to your doctor.

Hair Loss

• Usually starts 3 to 4 weeks after the first dose.
• May affect both head and body hair (eyelashes, eyebrows, etc)
• May be total hair loss or just thinning.
• Grows back after drug is stopped.

Low Blood Counts

• A drop in blood cell counts, occurs about 7 to 10 days after treatment. Blood tests will be done to monitor this. The blood cell count usually returns to normal in 21 days.
• Call your doctor if you notice any signs of infection or bleeding.
• Avoid situations where you might be exposed to people with infections.
• If your red cells are affected, this is called anemia. You may feel tired. Or you may feel short of breath with walking. Tell your doctor if these are occurring.

Nausea, Vomiting, Appetite Loss

• May have moderate nausea and vomiting. Medications will be available to control these symptoms.
• May have diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids (about 2-3 quarts a day).
• Call the doctor if vomiting or diarrhea continue to be uncontrolled with medication.

Skin Changes

• May develop mouth sores. Inspect your mouth daily. Rinse after meals and at bedtime with a mild salt water solution.
• Tissue destruction and ulceration if the fluid leaks from the vein.
• Tell the nurse immediately if you notice any stinging at the IV site.
• Darkening of the skin over areas where radiation therapy was received.
• Limit your exposure to the sun, especially during the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Use sunscreen.
• Your nails may become darker or white lines may appear on them. As the nails grow out after the treatment, they will return to normal.
• Tell your doctor or nurse if you develop an itchy rash.

Heart Problems

• Changes in the rhythm of your heartbeat which may lead to congestive heart failure
• The total safe lifetime dose of Ellence has been determined and will not be exceeded.
• May cause inflammation of the heart muscle or its lining.
• May cause low blood pressure

Special Notes

• Your urine may become red colored for 1-2 days after receiving Ellence. This is not blood, but it may stain your clothing
• Changes in your menstrual cycle or sperm count may occur. Discuss birth control measures with your doctor as it is not advisable to conceive or to father children while taking this drug.
• Some people have hot flashes while this drug is being given. Let your nurse know if this happens to you.
• You should not take tagamet (cimetidine) while you are on ellence therapy.
• Your doctor should know all of the medicines that you are taking, including any herbals or vitamins. A reaction between other medicines and ellence could occur when you are getting chemotherapy with ellence.