Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

IDARUBICIN - INJECTION

(eye-duh-REWB-eh-sin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Idamycin

WARNING: This medication must be given slowly and directly into a vein (IV) through other intravenous (IV) fluids. Do not inject this medication into the muscle (IM) or just beneath the skin (subcutaneously). If this medication accidentally leaks into surrounding tissue, the skin and/or muscle may be severely damaged. Notify the doctor immediately if redness, pain, or swelling occurs at (or around) the injection site. Idarubicin may cause heart problems (including heart failure) or bone marrow suppression. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop an irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing, swelling of the hands or feet, easy bruising or bleeding, or signs of infection such as fever, unusual fatigue, or persistent sore throat. People with current heart conditions or people who have been treated with similar drugs (anthracyclines) are at greater risk for heart problems. Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems before starting treatment with this medication. You may require smaller doses of idarubicin. Idarubicin is to be used only under close medical supervision. Your doctor will monitor your progress and laboratory tests will be performed while using this medication.

Uses

This medication is an anticancer drug used in combination with other medications for the treatment of leukemia.

How To Use

This medication is given by injection into a vein over 10 to 15 minutes by a health care professional. Continue using this medication for the full time prescribed. Stopping therapy too soon may result in ineffective treatment.

Side Effects

This medication may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or headache. If these symptoms continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. You may experience redness, irritation or pain at the injection site. Inform your doctor of this. This medication may cause temporary hair loss (alopecia). When the medication is stopped, hair growth will return. Notify your doctor if you develop: severe stomach pain, skin rash, chest pain, unusual bleeding or bruising, fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, breathing trouble, tingling of the hands or feet, mouth sores. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor if you have: liver problems, kidney disease, heart disease, blood disorders, any allergies. Caution is advised when using this medicaton in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the effects on the heart. Idarubicin is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this medication. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include an irregular heartbeat, severe nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain, persistent sore throat or fever, easy bleeding or bruising, chills, unusual fatigue.

Notes

This medication is usually administered initially in the hospital where your condition can be monitored closely. Laboratory tests will be done periodically to be sure the drug is working properly and to monitor for possible side effects.

Missed Dose

It is important to receive each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor who will help establish a new dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Reconstituted solutions are stable for 7 days in the refrigerator or 3 days at room temperature. Discard medication properly after the expiration date.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).