Liposomal doxorubicin is an anti-cancer drug that is used in the treatment of chemotherapy. Doxorubicin is the drug that is encapsulated in a closed lipid sphere which is known as the liposome. The drug is classified as an anthracycline antibiotic. Liposomal doxorubicin is used to treat cancers like breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and other solid tumors.
Availability, Dosage, and Administration of Liposomal Doxorubicin
There is no pill form of Liposomal doxorubicin and it is administered through an injection by using the intravenous method. Doxorubicin is also known to be an irritant. An irritant is a chemical that can cause inflammation in the vein.
Availability
Doxorubicin hydrochloride liposomal injection single-use vial of 20 mg/10 ml and 50 mg/25 ml
Dosage
50 mg/m2 IV every 4 weeks.
Side effects
Most people do not experience side effects while being treated with liposomal Doxorubicin. Even if side effects occur they are predictable in terms of their onset and duration. These side effects are almost always reversible and will go after the treatment is complete. Most of the side effects depend on the dosage of the drug that has been given. There are also many options to minimize the side effects. The most common side effects are listed below:
- Infusion-related reactions: symptoms include shortness of breath, flushing, headache, face
- swelling, tightness in the chest and throat and low blood pressure.
- Low blood count
- Mouth sores
- Hand and foot syndrome
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hair loss
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Poor appetite
- Discoloration of urine
- Darkening of nail beds
Precautions
- Before starting treatment with Liposomal Doxorubicin, inform your doctor about other medications that you might be taking.
- Do not take any kind of vaccination or immunization without informing your doctor
- Inform your doctor before starting the liposomal Doxorubicin treatment if you are pregnant
- Do not conceive a child while on liposomal Doxorubicin treatment. This applies to both men and women.
- While on treatment you might be sensitive to sunlight, so take care to avoid sun exposure.
- Anyone who has had an allergic reaction to the drug cannot receive it again.