Trade name

ZAVEDOS^®

What Idarubicin is and what it is used for?

• Idarubicin 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.
• Idarubicin is used in combination with other medicines to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in adults. This medicine may also be used to treat other cancers, such as acute lymphocytic leukemia in adults or children, as determined by your doctor.

How Idarubicin is given?

• Idarubicin is given as an infusion into the vein over 15-20 minutes.

What should I know while receiving Idarubicin?

• 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 idarubicin 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 when you are receiving idarubicin.
• Idarubicin is red and your urine may turn a reddish-orange color after each session. This is normal and lasts for 1 or 2 days.
• Do not receive idarubicin 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.
• Idarubicin 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 idarubicin 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 idarubicin. 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 idarubicin. 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.

• Diarrhea

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

• Hair loss

It may begin 2-3 weeks after your first treatment. Chemo-related hair loss is temporary, and the hair usually grows back 3-6 months after treatment ends.

• Weakness or 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.

Less common side effects

• 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.

• Numbness or tingling of arms/legs

Symptoms may last as long as therapy is continued. In some people, the symptoms will get better after treatment ends, but for some it never goes away completely. Protect areas where sensation is decreased and let your doctor know any unusual feeling you have.

• 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

• Secondary cancer

Idarubicin may increase the risk of developing secondary cancer years later. Treatment benefits with idarubicin may outweigh this risk. You can talk with your doctor if you have concerns.

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.