Trade name

Epicin^®

What Epirubicin is and what it is used for?

• Epirubicin is classified as an anthracyline antibiotic. This medicine inhibits DNA synthesis by producing DNA cross-links which halt cell replication and eventually cause cell death. This cell damage slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in the body.
• Epirubicin is used in combination with other medicines to treat breast cancer. This medicine may also be used to treat other cancers, such as bladder cancer, head and neck cancer, lymphomas, and sarcomas, as determined by your doctor.

How Epirubicin is given?

• Epirubicin is given as an infusion into the vein over 15-20 minutes.
• Epirubicin also can be delivered directly into the bladder by a urethral catheter.

What should I know while receiving Epirubicin?

• An allergic 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 epirubicin 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. 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.
• Epirubicin may affect fertility. You can talk to your doctor about methods of preserving fertility before treatment starts.
• Do not receive any kind of vaccination without doctor's approval.
• There are many drugs may affect how epirubicin 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 an electrocardiogram (ECG) to make sure you have enough blood cells and have adequate heart functions to receive epirubicin. The timing and dosing of your treatment may be changed based on the test results or side effects.
• The existing health problems may affect the use of epirubicin. You should let your doctor know if you have any other medical problems, especially if you have heart diseases, liver or kidney 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.

• Low platelet count

You may have a higher risk of bleeding. Let your doctor know if you find red or purple dots on the skin, bleeding from the nose or gums, or any bruising or bleeding that you cannot explain.

• 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.

• Mouth sores

Your doctor can give you medicines that help you ease the discomfort. Good mouth care will help prevent mouth sores.

• Hair loss

It may begin 2-3 weeks after your first treatment. Hair growth should return after treatment has finished.

• 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.

• Stopped or missed periods

Epirubicin can damage the ovaries and stop regular menstrual cycles. A woman may experience menopausal side effects, such as flushing, emotional changes, headaches or difficulty sleeping. Usually menstrual periods may return months or years after treatment is over. You can talk to your doctor about any health or emotional concerns.

Less common side effects

• Diarrhea

Ask your doctor about medicines that can relieve diarrhea. Drinking plenty of water and dietary changes may help.

• 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.

• Eye irritation

You might have dry eyes or infection in the eyes. Tell your doctor if this happens. Medicines can be given to relieve symptoms.

• Changes in heart function

This drug may affect heart function, including without symptoms, such as reduced heart function, and with symptoms, such as congestive heart failure. Contact a doctor right away if you notice that you have swelling in the legs, an abnormal heartbeat or pain or tightness in your chest.

Rare but serious side effects

• Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS)

TLS is a life-threatening condition that happens when the large amount of cancer cells die too quickly and their wastes release into the blood stream. Symptoms of TLS include general fatigue, muscle cramps, abnormal heartbeat, decreased urination, throwing up, or confusion.

• Secondary cancer

Epirubicin may cause an increased risk of developing secondary cancer years later. Treatment benefits may outweigh the risk of secondary cancer. Your doctor can talk you about this.

More Information

• Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water every day during treatment 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 epirubicin works and can worsen the side effects.