Uses of Epirubicin

Epirubicin is used in the management of various types of cancer such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, stomach cancer, small cell lung cancer, head and neck cancer, liver cancer, blood cancer, lymph cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, cancers of soft tissues such as soft tissues sarcoma and bladder cancer.

Therapeutic Category

Epirubicin: Anticancer agents

How Epirubicin works

Epirubicin is an anticancer medication. It works by blocking the synthesis of genetic material (DNA and RNA) and certain essential proteins and enzymes which are required for the cells to grow and multiply. As a result, it prevents abnormal cell division within the body and slows down the growth of cancer cells.

Common side effects of Epirubicin

• hair loss (including facial hair)
• red urine
• increased infection
• hot flashes
• mouth ulcers, inflammation of oesophagus
• nausea, vomiting (within first 24 hours)
• diarrhoea, dehydration, loss of appetite
• bladder infection or inflammation, sometimes bleeding
• burning sensation while passing urine, urge to pass urine
• injection site reactions (such as pain, redness or burning sensation)
• hyperpigmentation of the skin and mouth
• eye inflammation

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• increased infections, severe general weakness and increased bleeding tendency
• shortness of breath, fluid accumulation in the body, liver enlargement, fluid accumulation in the stomach and or lungs, abnormal heart rhythm
• sudden severe drop in blood pressure with cold skin, rapid shallow breathing, dizziness, weakness, fainting and a rapid weak pulse
• severe cellulitis causing red, swollen skin that feels hot and tender/painful that can spread rapidly to other parts of the body
• severe burning sensation at the site of injection

Health Tips for Epirubicin

• Epirubicin should be used under careful medical supervision. Strictly follow the dosing schedule as instructed by your doctor
• While taking Epirubicin, drink plenty of water to keep your self-hydrated and avoid smoking and alcohol consumption, as it could increase the risk of side effects
• Epirubicin may reduce your immune power. Therefore, restrict yourself from having contact with chronic ill patients and follow proper hygienic measures to avoid opportunistic infections
• Before Epirubicin is given to you, inform your doctor if you have any liver, kidney or heart problems. You must also inform your doctor if you have any severe infections, low blood count or any bladder problems (such as problems in passing urine, burning sensation while passing urine etc.) as a precaution
• Epirubicin is not recommended for use in pregnant and in breastfeeding women as it may harm the growing baby
• Men and Women of childbearing potential must use a suitable contraceptive to avoid pregnancy while undergoing therapy with Epirubicin. Men may seek advice on sperm preservation, if necessary, prior to the therapy with this medicine