Daunorubicin
Generic name: daunorubicin [ DAW-noe-ROO-bi-sin ]
Brand name: Cerubidine
Dosage forms: intravenous powder for injection (20 mg); intravenous solution (5 mg/mL)
Drug class:Antibiotics / antineoplastics
What is daunorubicin?
Daunorubicin is used in combination chemotherapy to treat leukemia.
Daunorubicin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Daunorubicin may cause dangerous effects on your heart, and can also increase your risk of bleeding or infection. Call your doctor at once if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling or rapid weight gain, fever, chills, tiredness, easy bruising or unusual bleeding.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use daunorubicin if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
heart disease;
kidney disease;
a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicines); or
if you have ever been treated with doxorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin, mitoxantrone, or liposomal daunorubicin (Daunoxome).
Using daunorubicin may increase your risk of developing other types of leukemia. Ask your doctor about your specific risk.
Daunorubicin may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
You should not breastfeed while using daunorubicin.
How should I use daunorubicin?
Daunorubicin is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Before you receive each dose of daunorubicin, your heart function may need to be checked with an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG). Your kidney and liver function may also need to be checked.
You may be given other medications to help prevent serious side effects or an allergic reaction. Keep using these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.
Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when daunorubicin is injected.
Skin accidentally exposed to daunorubicin should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Daunorubicin can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. You will need frequent medical tests. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests.