Doxorubicin

Doxorubicin: description, application and side effects

Doxorubicin is an antitumor antibiotic used in the treatment of various types of cancer. It is produced in India by Rusan Pharma and Tobin Chemical and Pharmaceutical Co., and has the international name Doxorubicin.

Doxorubicin is available in the form of a lyophilized powder for the preparation of an injection solution, as well as a powder for the preparation of an injection solution. The active ingredient is doxorubicin.

The drug is used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic and myeloblastic leukemia, malignant Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, breast cancer, lung cancer (especially small cell cancer), bladder cancer, thyroid cancer, ovarian cancer, osteogenic sarcoma, soft tissue sarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, neuroblastoma and Wilms tumor.

However, before using Doxorubicin, it is necessary to take into account contraindications to its use. The drug should not be used in case of hypersensitivity to hydroxybenzoates, severe suppression of bone marrow function due to taking other chemotherapeutic drugs or radiation therapy, previous treatment with anthracyclines in maximum total doses, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, severe impairment of liver and kidney function, acute hepatitis, bilirubinemia, severe heart diseases (myocarditis, severe rhythm disturbances, acute phase of myocardial infarction), gastric and duodenal ulcers, bleeding, tuberculosis, cystitis (intravesical administration), pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is also not recommended to use Doxorubicin in patients under 2 years of age and over 70 years of age, as well as in the presence of organic heart damage (risk of developing cardiotoxic effects at low doses).

Undesirable side effects may occur when using Doxorubicin. From the cardiovascular system and blood (hematopoiesis, hemostasis), the following symptoms may appear: congestive heart failure, shortness of breath, swelling of the feet and ankles, rapid or irregular heartbeat, as well as acute atrial and ventricular arrhythmia. Rarely, within a few days after taking the drug, a decrease in the number of white blood cells and platelets in the blood may occur, which can lead to increased sensitivity to infections and bleeding.

The following side effects may also occur: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of taste, impaired liver function, changes in skin and nail color, dermatitis, increased body hair, fatigue, headache, increased body temperature and others.

Doxorubicin should only be used under the supervision of a physician, who should monitor the patient's condition and adjust the dose of the drug depending on how it is tolerated. If any side effects occur, you should consult your doctor immediately.