Daunorubicin
About
Daunorubicin is an antineoplastic medicine used in the treatment of cancer. Cancer is a disease where the cells grow abnormally and divide uncontrollably. Daunorubicin helps to induce remission of nonlymphocytic leukemia (myelogenous, monocytic, erythroid) and acute lymphocytic leukemia. Leukemia, also known as blood cancer, is the cancer of blood cells or blood-forming tissues. It causes excessive production of immature white blood cells by the bone marrow and reduces the body’s ability to fight infections.
Daunorubicin contains Daunorubicin, which belongs to the class of anthracycline topoisomerase inhibitors. It inhibits the topoisomerase II enzyme by intercalating the DNA base pairs. This causes double helix DNA to be uncoiled, thereby destroying the DNA and RNA synthesis. Thus, Daunorubicin stops the multiplication of abnormal cells, leads to the growth of cells in an unbalanced way and causes cancer cell death.
Daunorubicin may cause certain side effects such as vomiting, nausea, mouth ulcers, loss of appetite, diarrhea, dizziness, weakness, fever, chills, and pain at the site of injection. Most of these side effects of Daunorubicin do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor. Daunorubicin is a parenteral preparation and will be administered by the oncology doctor. Hence, do not self-administer. Your doctor will decide the dose of the medicine based on the severity of the condition.
Daunorubicin should be avoided if you are allergic to it or any other component present in it. Inform your doctor about your complete medical and medication history before starting treatment with Daunorubicin. Daunorubicin is contraindicated for pregnant women and breastfeeding women due to serious embryo-fetal toxicity. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding. Inform your doctor if you have /had any pre-existing liver or kidney disease. Avoid alcohol consumption with Daunorubicin as it may increase the risk of liver damage. This medicine may be recommended for use in children only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Uses of Daunorubicin
Medicinal Benefits
Daunorubicin contains Daunorubicin, which belongs to the class of anthracycline topoisomerase inhibitors. It inhibits the topoisomerase II enzyme by intercalating the DNA base pairs. This causes double helix DNA to be uncoiled, thereby destroying the DNA and RNA synthesis. Thus, Daunorubicin stops the multiplication of abnormal cells, leads to the growth of cells in an unbalanced way and causes the death of cells.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Daunorubicin
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Mouth ulcers
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Injection site reactions
- Pain at the site of injection
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Daunorubicin should be avoided if you are allergic to it or any other component present in it. Inform your doctor about your complete medical and medication history before starting treatment with Daunorubicin. Daunorubicin is contraindicated for pregnant women and breastfeeding women due to serious embryo-fetal toxicity. Hence, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding. Inform your doctor if you have /had any pre-existing liver or kidney disease. Avoid alcohol consumption with Daunorubicin as it may increase the risk of liver damage. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight as Daunorubicin may cause sensitivity to sunlight. You are advised to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while going out. If you are about to receive any vaccinations, inform your doctor that you are taking Daunorubicin as it may cause infections.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Daunorubicin may interact with medicines used to treat ulcerative colitis (mesalazine, olsalazine), anti-inflammatory drugs (sulfasalazine), aminoglycosides (gentamicin, amikacin, neomycin), cholera vaccine, typhoid vaccine.
Drug-Food Interactions: Daunorubicin may interact with alcohol. Therefore, avoid alcohol consumption with Daunorubicin as it may increase the risk of liver damage.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease before starting treatment with Daunorubicin.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol with Daunorubicin as it may increase the risk of liver damage.
Pregnancy
unsafeIt is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may harm your foetus. If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Daunorubicin.
Breast Feeding
unsafeIt is not recommended for use in breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk and harm your infant. Hence, if you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving Daunorubicin. Your doctor may suggest you stop feeding while on treatment with this medicine.
Driving
unsafeDaunorubicin causes dizziness and may alter the ability to drive or operate machines. Hence, avoid driving or operating machines after receiving Daunorubicin.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Daunorubicin. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before receiving Daunorubicin. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
safe if prescribedDaunorubicin can be recommended for acute lymphocytic leukemia in children. Please consult your doctor. Your child's doctor may prescribe a suitable dose based on the condition and age of your child. If this medicine is given, the child should be observed carefully for any unwanted effects.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a balanced diet including fruits and vegetables rich in nutrients and low-fat proteins like lean meats, fish and poultry.
- Drink plenty of water daily while taking Daunorubicin as some cancer therapies may cause dehydration.
- Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body weight.
- Regularly wash your hands and avoid contact with people having infections.
- Quit smoking and alcohol consumption.
Special Advise
- Regular blood tests are recommended while taking Daunorubicin to monitor the number and type of cells in the blood and liver functioning.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Acute lymphocytic leukemia: It is a type of cancer that occurs in the bone marrow and blood. It increases the number of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). The symptoms include fever, enlarged liver, bone or joint pain, shortness of breath, weakness, and bleeding from gums or bruises.
FAQs
Daunorubicin contains Daunorubicin, which belongs to the class of anthracycline topoisomerase inhibitors. It inhibits the topoisomerase II enzyme by intercalating the DNA base pairs. This causes double helix DNA to be uncoiled, thereby destroying the DNA and RNA synthesis.
Daunorubicin may cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Therefore, please consult a doctor before taking Daunorubicin if you are planning to become a parent.
If you are about to receive any vaccinations, especially live vaccines such as measles, mumps, rubella and polio vaccines, it is advised to inform your doctor that you are on treatment with Daunorubicin as it may cause infections.
