Ellence
Ellence is in a class of drugs known as anthracyclines; 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.
Ellence is used to treat:
Side effects of Ellence
Hair loss. This usually starts 3-4 weeks after the first dose of
Ellence, although it may happen 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 is finished.
Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting. There are now very effective
anti-sickness drugs to prevent or greatly reduce nausea and vomiting. If you do feel sick
it may begin a few hours after the treatment is given and last for up to a day. If it is
not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor. They can prescribe other drugs, which 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 begins
around seven days after the treatment has been given and the number of the blood cells in
the blood reaches its lowest point at 10-14 days after the chemotherapy. The number of
blood cells then gradually increases and usually returns to normal by 21 days after
treatment.
The extent to which your number of blood cells is 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 your blood cells will be
affected 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 a day after you have had the Ellence, and is due to the colour of the drug. It
is quite normal.
Skin changes. Ellence can cause a rash, which may be itchy. Your
doctor can prescribe medicine to help with this. Areas which have previously been treated
with radiotherapy may become red and sore. Let your doctor know if this happens. The skin
over the vein used for the injection may become discoloured. Your skin may darken, due to
excess production of pigment. The darkening usually returns to normal a few months after
the treatment has finished.
Tiredness and a general feeling of weakness. It is important to allow
yourself plenty of time to rest.
Less common side effects of Ellence
Changes in the way your heart works. Higher doses of Ellence 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
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 controlled easily with medicine, but
let your doctor know if it is severe or continues. It is important to drink plenty of
fluids if you do have diarrhoea.
Changes to nails. Your nails may become darker. White lines may appear
on them. These changes grow out over a few months once treatment has finished. |