Ellence
Generic name:epirubicin [ EP-i-ROO-bi-sin ]
Drug class:Antibiotics / antineoplastics
What is Ellence?
Ellence is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.
Ellence is used to treat breast cancer.
Ellence may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use Ellence if you have an untreated or uncontrolled infection, severe liver disease, severe heart problems, or if you have recently had a heart attack. You may not be able to use Ellence if you have already been treated with a certain amount of other cancer medications.
Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the needle when Ellence is injected.
Ellence can cause dangerous effects on your heart that may not be reversible and could occur months to years after you receive Ellence. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of heart problems: swelling, rapid weight gain, shortness of breath.
Ellence affects your immune system. You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. You will need frequent medical tests and your cancer treatments may be delayed.
Before taking this medicine
Before you are treated with Ellence, tell your doctor about all other cancer medications and treatments you have received, including radiation.
You should not use Ellence if you are allergic to epirubicin or similar medications (such as daunorubicin, doxorubicin, idarubicin,mitoxantrone, or valrubicin), or if you have:
an untreated or uncontrolled infection (including mouth sores);
severe liver disease;
severe heart problems; or
if you have recently had a heart attack.
You may not be able to use Ellence if you have already been treated with a certain amount of other cancer medications.
To make sure Ellence is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
heart problems;
radiation to your chest area;
liver or kidney disease;
bone marrow suppression; or
chemotherapy with doxorubicin, daunorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin, or mitoxantrone.
Using Ellence may increase your risk of developing other cancers, such as leukemia. Ask your doctor about this risk.
Both men and women using this medicine should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Epirubicin can harm an unborn baby if the mother or father is using this medicine.
Epirubicin may cause you to stop having menstrual periods and may also cause premature menopause. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about these ris...
