Daunomycin
Daunomycin 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.
Daunomycin is used to treat:
- acute myeloid leukemia
- acute lymphocytic leukemia
- neuroblastoma
Side effects of Daunomycin
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
you may experience it from 1-3 hours after the drug is given, and for up to 48 hours. If
the sickness is not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor. They can prescribe other
drugs, which may be more effective.
Hair loss. This usually starts 3-4 weeks after the first dose of
Daunomycin, although it may occur earlier. Hair may be lost completely or may just thin.
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 has finished.
Temporary reduction in the production of blood cells by the bone marrow.
This can result in anaemia, risk of bruising, bleeding and infection. This effect can
begin about seven days after the treatment has been given and usually reaches its lowest
point at 10-14 days after the chemotherapy. The number of blood cells in your blood 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 have and which other chemotherapy drugs, if any, are given in combination. Your doctor
can advise you how likely it is that the number of your 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 38°C (100.5°F), 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 48 hours after you have had Daunomycin, and is due to the colour of the drug.
It is quite normal.
Sensitivity to the sun. While you are having Daunomycin, 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.
Tiredness and a general feeling of weakness. It is important to allow
yourself plenty of time to rest.
Less common side effects of Daunomycin
Changes in the way your heart works. Higher doses of Daunomycin may
cause changes in the muscle of the heart, which 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 have 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 get diarrhoea.
Skin discoloration. The skin along the vein used for the injection may
become discoloured. This usually returns to normal over a few months once the treatment
has finished.
Changes to nails. They may become darker. White lines may also appear
on them. These changes grow out over a few months after the treatment has ended.
Inflammation. In some cases the drug may cause redness and
inflammation of the skin in areas which have been treated with radiotherapy. |