Adriamycin contains the active ingredient doxorubicin hydrochloride, an anthracycline topoisomerase inhibitor. It is available as a clear red, sterile isotonic solution for intravenous injection, with dosage strengths of 10 mg/5 mL and 20 mg/10 mL. Key inactive ingredients include sodium chloride, and the solution's pH is adjusted to 3.0 with hydrochloric acid.

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: -Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat -Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue -Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing -Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell -Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing -Painful swelling, warmth, or redness of the skin, blisters or sores at the infusion site -Unusual bruising or bleeding Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): -Diarrhea -Hair loss -Nausea -Pain, redness, or swelling with sores inside the mouth or throat -Red urine

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -Heart disease -History of low blood cell levels caused by a medication -Liver disease -Recent or ongoing radiation -An unusual or allergic reaction to doxorubicin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives -If you or your partner are pregnant or trying to get pregnant -Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

-6-mercaptopurine -Paclitaxel -Phenytoin -St. John's wort -Trastuzumab -Verapamil

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. You may need blood work while taking this medication. This medication may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your care team tells you to stop. There is a maximum amount of this medication you should receive throughout your life. The amount depends on the medical condition being treated and your overall health. Your care team will watch how much of this medication you receive. Tell your care team if you have taken this medication before. Your urine may turn red for a few days after your dose. This is not blood. If your urine is dark or brown, call your care team. In some cases, you may be given additional medications to help with side effects. Follow all directions for their use. This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick. This medication may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your care team if you notice any unusual bleeding. Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancers if you take this medication. Talk to your care team if you or your partner may be pregnant. Serious birth defects can occur if you take this medication during pregnancy and for 6 months after the last dose. Contraception is recommended while taking this medication and for 6 months after the last dose. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you. If your partner can get pregnant, use a condom while taking this medication and for 6 months after the last dose. Do not breastfeed while taking this medication. This medication may cause infertility. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.

What are the most serious risks of this medication?

There have been reports of leukemia in people who got this medicine. This medicine causes damage to the heart. Heart damage can occur during treatment or many years after treatment is done. Your healthcare provider will closely monitor your heart. This medicine can cause a reaction during the infusion or up to 2 hours after it is done. You may feel pain, like burning or stinging, at the infusion site. There may be redness, swelling, or open sores at the infusion site. Your healthcare provider will watch you closely during and after the infusion for signs of a reaction. This medicine should only be given by a healthcare provider who has experience in the use of cancer drugs. This medicine can lower blood counts, like red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This can become severe enough to require a blood transfusion. You may get more infections or serious infections during your treatment. Your healthcare provider will check your blood counts during your treatment.