An Overview of Doxorubicin Hydrochloride (Doxil)

LIP-oh-som-al dox-oh-ROO-bi-sin

Brand Name: Doxil
Other Name(s): Adriablastin, Adriablastine, Adriamycin, Adriblastin, Caelyx, Clorhidrato de doxorrubicina liposómica, Doxorubicin Hydrochloride, Doxorubicin hydrochloride (liposomal), Doxorubicina, Liposomal Doxorubicin
Drug Class: Opportunistic Infection and Other Drugs

Liposomal doxorubicin hydrochloride (HCl), also known as Doxil, belongs to the class of drugs called antineoplastics. Antineoplastics slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.

Indications and Usage

Liposomal doxorubicin HCl was approved by the FDA on November 17, 1995, for the treatment of AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma individuals whose bodies cannot tolerate other cancer medicines or whose Kaposi's sarcoma has advanced despite treatment.

Dosage Form/Administration

Liposomal doxorubicin HCl comes in liquid form that is given by intravenous infusion into a vein.

Contraindications

Individuals should tell a doctor about any medical problems before taking this medicine.

Possible Side Effects

Along with its desired effects, liposomal doxorubicin HCl can cause some serious unwanted effects. Serious side effects of this medicine include unusual tiredness or weakness; loss of strength or energy; fever or chills; facial swelling; headache; low blood pressure; shortness of breath; cough or hoarseness; lower back or side pain; painful or difficult urination; sore throat; sores in mouth and on lips; black tarry stools; unusual bleeding or bruising; blood in urine or stools; pinpoint red spots on skin; allergic reaction; fast or irregular heartbeat; swelling of feet and lower legs; troubled breathing; pain at injection site; reddening, scaling, swelling, or ulceration of skin; chest pain; fluid retention; and infection. Individuals should tell a doctor if they have any of these side effects.Other side effects may not be serious and may lessen or disappear with continued use of this medicine. Less serious side effects include diarrhea; nausea and vomiting; oral moniliasis (creamy white, curd-like patches in mouth or throat that cause pain when eating or swallowing); abdominal pain; loss of appetite; constipation; headache; mucous membrane disorder; pain; tingling, burning, or prickly sensations; sore throat; rash; loss of hair; and dry skin. Individuals should tell a doctor if these side effects continue or are bothersome.

Drug Interactions

A doctor should be notified of any other medications being taken, including prescription, nonprescription (over-the-counter), or herbal medications.

Clinical Trials

Click here to search ClinicalTrials.gov for trials that use Doxorubicin (liposomal).

Manufacturer Information

Doxil
Ortho Biotech
P.O. Box 6914
430 Rt. 22 East
Bridgewater, NJ 08807-0914
Phone: 800-682-6532
Fax: 800-682-6532