Trade name

Lipo-Dox^®

What Lipo-Dox^® is and what it is used for?

• Lipo-Dox^® is doxorubicin covered in tiny spheres called liposomes. These spheres keep the doxorubicin in the bloodstream longer and has more time to reach the tumor tissue, thus significantly lowering the side effects.
• Lipo-Dox^® is used in combination with other cancer medicines to treat AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma, breast cancer, ovarian cancer. This medicine may also be used to treat other cancers, as determined by your doctor.

How Lipo-Dox^® is given?

• It is given as an infusion into a vein over 90 minutes.

What should I need to know while receiving Lipo-Dox^®?

• An infusion reaction may happen during or shortly after the infusion, causing fever and chills, breathing difficulties, swelling of throat or face, or hives. Tell your nurse right away if you feel unwell during an infusion.
• If Lipo-Dox^® leaks into the skin, it can cause severe tissue damage and blistering. Tell your nurse right away if you notice swelling, pain, or redness at the injection site during an infusion.
• Your urine will turn a reddish-orange color after the drug is given. Some patients may notice their tears or sweat discolor as well. This happens because the drug is red and may last for one or two days.
• Do not receive this drug when you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Men and women should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after the treatment ends.
• Do not receive any kind of vaccination without doctor's approval.
• Lipo-Dox^® may affect fertility. You can talk to your doctor about methods of preserving fertility before treatment starts.
• Many drugs may affect how Lipo-Dox^® works. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• You will have regular blood tests and heart function tests to make sure you have enough blood cells and have adequate heart functions to receive Lipo-Dox^®. The timing and dosing of treatment may be changed based on the test results or side effects.
• The existing health problems may affect the use of Lipo-Dox^®. You should let your doctor know if you have any other medical problems, especially heart diseases and liver problems.

Common side effects

• Low white blood cell count

You may have a higher risk of getting infections. Try to stay away from crowds and wash hands often. Tell your doctor right away if you have repeated fevers, coughing, stuffy nose, a painful urination or wound that becomes red and swollen.

• Low red blood cell count

You may look pale and get tired more easily. Let your doctor know if you experience any difficulty breathing or dizziness when changing positions.

• Mouth sores

Your doctor may give you medicines that help you feel better. Good mouth care will help prevent mouth sores.

• Hand-foot syndrome

Your may have redness, swelling, and pain or peeling on the palms of hands and the soles of feet. This is usually mild. Tell your doctor if this happens. Avoid long exposure to hot water and activities that cause rubbing or pressure on your skin.

• Diarrhea

Talk to your doctor and ask for advice. Drinking plenty of water and dietary changes can improve diarrhea.

• Weakness and fatigue

Try to pace yourself and rest as much as possible. Seek medical advice if fatigue does not go away when you rest and sleep.

• Nausea and vomiting

Medicines may be given before the treatment to prevent it happening. Eating and drinking often in small amounts may reduce the discomfort.

• Skin rash

A rash can be itchy, red, or painful. Tell your doctor about any skin changes that you have, they can give you medicines and advices that help you feel better.

Less common side effects

• Low platelet count

This may put you at more risk for bleeding. Tell your doctor right away if you have any unusual bruising or bleeding.

• Constipation

Talk to your doctor and ask for advice. Drinking plenty of water and dietary changes can improve constipation.

• Changes in liver function

This is usually mild and may return to normal after treatment has ended. Seek medical help right away if you have yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark or brown urine, or pain in abdomen.

• Changes in heart function

This medicine may affect your heart function. Contact a doctor right away if you notice that you have an abnormal heartbeat or have pain or tightness in your chest.

More Information

• Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water every day can help make your recovery a smoother process.
• Alcohol and cigarettes may interfere with certain medicines or worsen side effects from chemotherapy treatment. It is wise to avoid alcohol and cigarette smoking during cancer treatment. If you have any problem about drinking alcohol and smoking, you should check with your doctor.
• Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking beverages containing grapefruit. This is because grapefruits can affect how Lipo-Dox^® works and can worsen the side effects.