Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer); chemotherapy
Generic and brand names: epirubicin hydrochloride, injection; Ellence
This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) to treat:
It may be used for other cancers as determined by your healthcare provider.
It may be used alone or with other anticancer medicines.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
This medicine may make you sterile (unable to have children) whether you are a man or a woman. If you plan to have children someday, talk with your healthcare provider before you start treatment.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any signs of infection such as cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, fever, chills, or mouth sores before or after starting this medicine.
Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not usually given to pregnant women because it can harm the baby. If you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. Do not become pregnant while you are receiving this medicine because it may harm the baby. Talk to your healthcare provider if you need birth control. Contact your healthcare provider at the first sign of pregnancy. Do not breast feed while receiving this medicine.
This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) by healthcare providers experienced in providing chemotherapy. You will receive this medicine in facilities where you can be carefully monitored.
If this medicine leaks from your veins into nearby tissue, it may cause severe redness, pain, swelling, or blisters. Alert your healthcare provider right away if you have pain during treatment.
You may need several treatments with this medicine. Blood and bone marrow tests are used to determine how many courses of treatment you will need.
You will need to have blood and bone marrow tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for tests.
This medicine may cause serious or life-threatening heart problems during treatment or months to years after stopping treatment. These heart problems may be irreversible. Your risk may be higher if you already have heart problems, have had radiation therapy to your chest, have received certain other anticancer medicines, or take other medicines that can also cause heart problems. Your healthcare provider will monitor your heart before, during, and after treatment. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of heart problems, such as chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, cough, or unexplained swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
This medicine may cause certain severe blood and bone marrow problems. This can affect your body's ability to stop bleeding or fight infection. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you develop a fever, sore throat, bleeding, bruising, burning or painful urination, severe abdominal pain, unusual weakness or tiredness, or any other sign of infection.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, which may lead to painful sunburns. While you are taking this medicine, avoid long exposure to the sun. Wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunscreen lotion when you need to be outdoors. Do not use a sunlamp. If you get a severe sunburn, contact your healthcare provider right away.
You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.
This medicine may cause your urine to turn a red color for up to 2 days and your clothing might be stained. This is temporary and is not harmful.
If your child is receiving this medicine, wear latex gloves when changing diapers to prevent contact with the child's urine or feces for at least 5 days after the last dose or as instructed by your healthcare provider.
If this medicine leaks from your veins into nearby tissue, it may stain your skin brown or cause redness, pain, or blisters. Alert your healthcare provider if you have pain during treatment.
This medicine may increase your risk of bruising or bleeding. Use a soft brush to brush your teeth. Be careful while shaving, cutting fingernails or toenails, or when using sharp objects. Avoid sports and activities that may cause injuries.
This medicine may increase your long-term risk of developing other blood cancers. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
Males: This medicine may damage your sperm. Use condoms or other effective birth control during treatment with this medicine.
Females: This medicine may cause you to stop having periods. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
Hair loss is common during treatment with this medicine. Your hair will grow back when treatment is stopped. Nausea and vomiting are also common during treatment. Contact your healthcare provider if these become severe.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Redness, swelling or pain at the injection site; irregular, rapid, or slow heart rate; chest pain or shortness of breath that continues; cough; fever; mouth sores; burning or pain with urination; unusual bleeding or bruising; severe abdominal pain; severe or continued nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; swelling, tingling, or numbness in your hands, legs, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; black, bloody, or tarry stools; yellow skin or eyes; unusual tiredness or weakness. Most serious side effects are found through lab tests.
Other: Hair loss, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, flushing, hot flashes, tiredness, darkening of skin or nails.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
