Often used for:
Breast cancer, osteosarcoma, soft tissue sarcoma
What is epirubicin?
Epirubicin is an anthracycline chemotherapy medicine that slows or stops cell growth. It is usually given with other medicines via IV. Heart function is monitored closely because the drug can cause serious heart problems during or after treatment, and it can cause tissue damage if it leaks from the vein.
Possible long-term or late effects
- Heart problems
- Secondary cancers
- Fertility problems
Possible side effects
- Myelosuppression (low blood counts leading to infection, bleeding, anemia, fatigue)
- Lethargy
- Nausea or vomiting
- Mucositis
- Diarrhea
- Eye pain or irritation
- Hair loss
- Rash or itching
- Changes in menstrual cycle
- Hot flashes
- Red or orange urine
- Heart problems
- Radiation recall (skin color changes at prior radiation sites)
- Fertility problems
- Skin irritation at the IV site
- Loss of appetite
- Nail changes
- Tumor lysis syndrome
- Not all patients will experience these side effects. Report any symptoms to the care team.
Tips for families
- Discuss all questions with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Report signs of heart problems immediately; monitoring continues during and after treatment.
- Medicines may be prescribed for nausea and vomiting.
- Radiation recall may cause redness in previously irradiated skin areas.
- Inform the care team about prior reactions to anthracyclines such as daunorubicin, doxorubicin, epirubicin, or idarubicin.
- Use birth control during and after therapy as directed; inform the care team if pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Caregivers should follow chemotherapy safety precautions and avoid contact with patient body fluids for 48 hours after dosing.
- Discontinue cimetidine during treatment with epirubicin.
