Adriamycin
Adriamycin is a type of antibiotic that is only used in cancer chemotherapy. It slows
or stops the growth of cancer cells in your body. The length of treatment depends on the
types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer
you have.
Adriamycin is used to treat:
- breast cancer
- ovarian cancer
- transitional cell bladder cancer
- bronchogenic lung cancer
- thyroid cancer
- gastric cancer
- soft tissue and osteogenic sarcomas
- neuroblastoma
- Wilms' tumor
- malignant lymphoma (Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's)
- acute myeloblastic leukemia
- acute lymphoblastic leukemia
- Kaposi's sarcoma related to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
- Ewing's tumor
- squamous cell carcinomas of the head, neck, cervix, and vagina
- carcinomas of the testes, prostate, and uterus
- refractory multiple myeloma
Side effects of Adriamycin
Hair loss. This usually starts 3-4 weeks after the first dose of
Adriamycin, although it may happen earlier. Hair may be lost completely. You may also have
thinning and loss of eyelashes, eyebrows and other body hair. This is temporary and the
hair will regrow once the treatment is finished.
Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting. There are now very effective
anti-sickness drugs to prevent or greatly reduce nausea and vomiting. If it does happen it
may begin a few hours after the treatment is given and last for up to a day. If the
sickness is not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor. They can prescribe other
anti-sickness drugs that may be more effective.
Temporary reduction in the production of blood cells by the bone marrow.
This can result in anaemia, risk of bruising or bleeding and infection. This effect can
begin about seven days after the treatment has been given and the number of blood cells
usually reaches its lowest point at 10-14 days after the chemotherapy. The number of blood
cells will then increase steadily and will usually return to normal within 21-28 days.
The extent to which your blood cells are reduced depends on the dose of chemotherapy
you receive and which other chemotherapy drugs, if any, are given in combination. Your
doctor can advise you how likely it is that the number of blood cells will be lowered by
the chemotherapy. Your blood will be checked regularly to see how well your bone marrow is
working.
If your temperature goes above 38C (100.5F), or you develop any unexplained bruising or
bleeding, or you suddenly feel unwell, even with a normal temperature, contact your doctor
or the hospital straight away.
Sore mouth and taste change. Your mouth may become sore, or you may
notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids and cleaning your
teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush can help to reduce the risk of this
happening. Tell your doctor if you do have any of these problems as they can prescribe
special mouthwashes and medicine to prevent or clear any mouth infection.
You may notice that your food tastes different. Normal taste will come back after the
treatment finishes.
Discoloured urine. Your urine may become a pink-red colour. This may
last up to 24 hours after you have had the Adriamycin, and is due to the colour of the
drug. It is quite normal.
Skin changes. Your skin may darken, due to excess production of
pigment. This usually returns to normal a few months after the treatment has finished.
Sensitivity to the sun. While you are having Adriamycin, and for
several months afterwards, you will be more sensitive to the sun, and your skin may burn
more easily than normal. You can still go out in the sun, but always wear a high
protection factor suncream and protective clothing. CancerBACUP can send you information
on skin protection.
Tiredness and a general feeling of weakness. It is important to allow
yourself plenty of time to rest.
Less common side effects of Adriamycin
Changes in the way your heart works. Higher doses of Adriamycin may
cause changes in the muscle of the heart. This can affect how the heart works. The effect
on the heart depends on the dose given. It is very unusual for the heart to be affected if
you receive standard doses. Tests to see how well your heart is working may sometimes be
carried out before the drug is given.
Diarrhoea. This can usually be easily controlled with medicine but
tell your doctor if it is severe or continues. It is important to drink plenty of fluids
if you do have diarrhoea.
Skin changes. The skin may become red and sore in areas which have
previously been treated with radiotherapy. Let your doctor know if this happens. The skin
over the vein used for the injection may become discoloured.
Changes in nails. Your nails may become darker. White lines may appear
on them. These changes usually grow out over a few months once treatment has finished. |