Epirubicin Hydrochloride

Welcome to Dwaey, specifically on Epirubicin Hydrochloride page.
This medicine contains important and useful components, as it consists of
Epirubicin Hydrochloride is available in the market in concentration.

Generic Name of Epirubicin Hydrochloride - Learn More

Epirubicin Hydrochloride

Epirubicin Hydrochloride Precaution - What You Need to Know

Before initiating treatment with Epirubicin Hydrochloride, it is critical that patients consult their healthcare provider, as several precautions must be considered:

- Cardiotoxicity: Epirubicin, like other anthracyclines, has the potential to cause cardiotoxicity, which can lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, or myocardial damage, particularly with higher cumulative doses. Close monitoring of cardiac function is essential, especially in patients with a history of heart disease.
- Myelosuppression: Epirubicin may cause significant bone marrow suppression, leading to leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, or anemia. Regular blood counts should be conducted to monitor for hematologic effects, particularly in patients undergoing prolonged therapy.
- Liver Function: Since epirubicin is metabolized by the liver, dose adjustments may be required in patients with liver impairment. Hepatic function should be carefully monitored during treatment.
- Extravasation: When administering epirubicin via intravenous infusion, care must be taken to avoid extravasation, as this can cause severe tissue necrosis and damage to surrounding tissues.
- Pregnancy and Lactation: Epirubicin is teratogenic and should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. It should also be avoided during lactation, as it is excreted in breast milk and may harm the infant.
- Secondary Malignancies: Long-term use of epirubicin has been associated with an increased risk of developing secondary malignancies, including leukemia, particularly in patients receiving higher cumulative doses over time.

Epirubicin Hydrochloride Indication - Uses and Benefits

Epirubicin hydrochloride is primarily used in the treatment of various types of cancer. It is indicated for:

- Breast Cancer: It is commonly used as part of adjuvant chemotherapy regimens for early-stage breast cancer and also for metastatic breast cancer.
- Ovarian Cancer: Epirubicin is part of combination chemotherapy protocols for ovarian cancer.
- Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Epirubicin is used in combination with other chemotherapy agents to treat soft tissue sarcomas.
- Lung Cancer: It is employed in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and other types of lung cancers, often as part of a combination chemotherapy regimen.
- Bladder Cancer: Epirubicin can also be used in the treatment of bladder cancer, particularly when used intravesically for superficial bladder cancers.
- Acute Leukemia: It is sometimes included in the treatment regimens for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL).

Epirubicin Hydrochloride Contraindications - Important Warnings

There are several situations where Epirubicin Hydrochloride should not be used:

- Hypersensitivity: Epirubicin is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to epirubicin or other anthracyclines.
- Severe Cardiac Disease: Contraindicated in patients with severe heart failure, recent myocardial infarction, or significant cardiac arrhythmias, as the drug can worsen these conditions.
- Severe Bone Marrow Suppression: Patients with pre-existing bone marrow suppression (low blood counts) should not receive epirubicin due to the risk of worsening myelosuppression.
- Severe Hepatic Impairment: Epirubicin is metabolized by the liver, so patients with severe hepatic impairment should not receive the drug, as it can lead to increased toxicity.
- Pregnancy and Lactation: Epirubicin is contraindicated in pregnancy because of its teratogenic effects. It is also contraindicated during lactation due to the potential harm to the infant.

Epirubicin Hydrochloride Side Effects - What to Expect

Epirubicin Hydrochloride, like many chemotherapy drugs, can cause various side effects. Common and serious side effects include:

- Common Side Effects:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hair loss (alopecia)
- Fatigue
- Mouth sores or ulcers
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Increased susceptibility to infection due to immune suppression

- Serious Side Effects:
- Cardiotoxicity: This includes symptoms like shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain. Cardiac function must be monitored closely, especially in patients with a history of heart disease.
- Severe bone marrow suppression: This can result in leukopenia, anemia, or thrombocytopenia, leading to an increased risk of infection, bleeding, or fatigue.
- Extravasation: If epirubicin is accidentally leaked outside the vein during infusion, it can cause severe tissue necrosis or skin damage.
- Secondary cancers: Long-term use of epirubicin increases the risk of developing secondary cancers, particularly leukemia or other blood cancers.
- Severe allergic reactions: Rare, but may cause rash, itching, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing.

Patients should report any unusual or severe symptoms to their healthcare provider promptly.

Epirubicin Hydrochloride Pregnancy Category ID - Safety Information

4

Epirubicin Hydrochloride Mode of Action - How It Works

Epirubicin is an anthracycline antibiotic that works by inhibiting the replication of cancer cells. Its mechanisms include:

- Inhibition of Topoisomerase II: Epirubicin binds to topoisomerase II, an enzyme that helps untwist DNA during cell division. This inhibition prevents DNA replication, causing cell death.
- DNA Damage: Epirubicin intercalates into DNA strands, disrupting the normal DNA structure and function. It also generates free radicals, which cause oxidative damage to cellular components, further promoting cell death.
- Apoptosis Induction: Through its DNA-damaging effects, epirubicin triggers apoptosis (programmed cell death) in rapidly dividing cancer cells, ultimately reducing tumor size and preventing further spread.

These mechanisms make epirubicin effective in treating a variety of cancers, particularly when used in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents.

Epirubicin Hydrochloride Drug Interactions - What to Avoid

Epirubicin Hydrochloride can interact with a number of other medications, affecting either its efficacy or safety:

- Other Chemotherapy Agents: Combining epirubicin with other chemotherapy drugs (e.g., cyclophosphamide, cisplatin) can increase the risk of myelosuppression and cardiotoxicity.
- CYP3A4 Inhibitors and Inducers: Epirubicin is metabolized by CYP3A4 enzymes, so drugs that inhibit (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole) or induce (e.g., rifampicin, phenytoin) CYP3A4 may alter its metabolism, affecting its plasma levels.
- Anticoagulants: Warfarin or other anticoagulants may increase the risk of bleeding, especially when used in conjunction with epirubicin, which can lead to thrombocytopenia.
- Digoxin: Concurrent use of digoxin and epirubicin may increase the risk of cardiotoxicity. Caution should be exercised with this combination.
- Vaccines: Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment with epirubicin because of its immunosuppressive effects, which can decrease vaccine efficacy and increase the risk of infection.

Patients must inform their healthcare providers of all other medications, including over-the-counter drugs, to avoid any potentially harmful interactions.

Epirubicin Hydrochloride Adult Dose - Recommended Dosage

The dosing of Epirubicin Hydrochloride varies depending on the type of cancer and the specific treatment regimen. The general recommended doses are as follows:

- Breast Cancer (Adjuvant): Typically, 60-90 mg/m² administered intravenously every 3 weeks for 4-8 cycles, often in combination with other chemotherapy agents like cyclophosphamide.
- Ovarian Cancer: Usually 60-90 mg/m² intravenously, administered every 3-4 weeks as part of a combination chemotherapy regimen.
- Soft Tissue Sarcoma: 60-90 mg/m² intravenously every 3-4 weeks.
- Lung Cancer: 60-90 mg/m² intravenously, given every 3-4 weeks as part of a combination therapy.
- Leukemia: For acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), the dose may range from 45-75 mg/m² per day for 5 days in combination with other chemotherapy drugs.

Epirubicin Hydrochloride Child Dose - Dosage for Children

The use of epirubicin in children is typically part of a chemotherapy regimen for pediatric cancers, and the dose is generally based on body surface area (BSA). The usual recommended dose is 45-60 mg/m² administered intravenously every 3-4 weeks, depending on the cancer being treated. Children undergoing treatment should be monitored for side effects, particularly myelosuppression and cardiotoxicity.

It is crucial that the healthcare provider determines the appropriate dosing based on the child's age, weight, and specific condition.

In all cases, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before beginning treatment with Epirubicin Hydrochloride to ensure its suitability and safety.

Epirubicin Hydrochloride Renal Dose - Dosage for Kidney Conditions

There are no specific dose adjustments listed for patients with renal impairment; however, caution should be exercised in patients with severe renal dysfunction, as the drug may be cleared more slowly. Monitoring for signs of toxicity is recommended.