Epirubicin
About
Epirubicin is an anti-cancer medicine that is used in conjunction with other drugs to treat breast cancer in people who have had tumor removal surgery. Epirubicin is used as adjuvant chemotherapy in women with axillary lymph nodes with involvement resection of breast cancer (abnormal growth in the cells of the breast).
Epirubicin contains Epirubicin, 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.
Epirubicin may cause certain side effects such as nausea, headache, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, vomiting, dizziness, mouth sores, tiredness, back pain, diarrhoea, and pain at the site of injection. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, please consult your doctor. A trained healthcare doctor will administer Epirubicin. So, do not self-administer. Your doctor will decide the dose of the medicine based on your health condition.
Epirubicin should be avoided if you are allergic to it. It is contraindicated in patients having a recent history of myocardial infarction (MI) or heart attack, patients with baseline neutrophil count < 1500 cells/mm3, severe arrhythmias, previous treatment with anthracyclines, and severe hepatic dysfunction. Hence avoid using this medicine under such conditions. Inform your doctor if you have any cardiovascular conditions, liver/kidney disease, or taking any medicines such as cardiotoxic drugs (eg, Thalidomide, doxorubicin, Abiraterone, tamoxifen, letrozole), and cimetidine, as it can cause serious adverse effects. Epirubicin is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Hence it is contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Epirubicin is not recommended for children as it is known to cause anthracycline-induced acute manifestations of cardiotoxicity and chronic CHF.
Uses of Epirubicin
Medicinal Benefits
Epirubicin contains Epirubicin, 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. It is used as adjuvant chemotherapy in women with axillary lymph nodes with involvement resection of breast cancer.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Epirubicin
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Back pain
- Pain at the site of injection
- Red discoloration of urine
- Loss of appetite
- Mouth sores
- Tiredness
- Weight gain
- Pale skin
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Epirubicin should be avoided if you are allergic to it. It is contraindicated in patients having a recent history of myocardial infarction (MI) or heart attack, patients with baseline neutrophil count < 1500 cells/mm3, severe arrhythmias, previous treatment with anthracyclines and severe hepatic dysfunction. Hence avoid using this medicine under such conditions. Inform your doctor if you have any cardiovascular conditions, liver/kidney disease, or taking any medicines such as cardiotoxic drugs (e.g., Thalidomide, doxorubicin, Abiraterone, tamoxifen, letrozole), and cimetidine, as it can cause serious adverse effects. Epirubicin is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Hence it is contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Epirubicin is not recommended for children as it is known to cause anthracycline-induced acute manifestations of cardiotoxicity and chronic CHF. Do not stop receiving Epirubicin without a doctor’s advice, as it can cause serious health conditions. Epirubicin is known to cause severe life-threatening haematological reactions, tissue necrosis, cardiomyopathy, secondary acute myelogenous leukaemia, and severe myelosuppression in some patients. Hence careful monitoring of the patient is needed while receiving the medicine.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Epirubicin may interact with cardiotoxic drugs (e.g., Thalidomide, doxorubicin, Abiraterone, tamoxifen, letrozole), antimicrotubular agents ((paclitaxel, docetaxel), antihistamine (cimetidine), calcium channel blockers (cilnidipine, nifedipine).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have cardiac problems, liver or kidney disease, heart attack, severe MI, or cardiomyopathy.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAlcohol intake might increase the risk of stomach or intestine bleeding. Alcohol consumption is not recommended.
Pregnancy
unsafeEpirubicin is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may harm your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Epirubicin. Use reliable methods of birth control while on treatment with Epirubicin.
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 Epirubicin. Your doctor may suggest you stop feeding while on treatment with this medicine.
Driving
not applicableEpirubicin does not affect your ability to drive.
Liver
cautionEpirubicin should be used with caution in patients with liver impairment. However, this medicine is contraindicated in patients with severe liver disease. If you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor. Your doctor may adjust the dose 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. Your doctor may adjust the dose or prescribe a suitable alternative, if necessary, based on your condition.
Children
unsafeEpirubicin is not recommended for use in children, as it is known to cause anthracycline-induced acute manifestations of cardiotoxicity and chronic CHF leading to serious side effects.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Try to eat more healthy fats, fruits, vegetables and whole-grain foods to give you more energy.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as dehydration is often seen in cancers.
- Taking a stroll in the garden or spending 30 minutes of your time doing some light physical activity can be very useful. However, do not over-exert yourself if you feel too tired.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Doing meditation and yoga for some time is very effective in helping cancer patients maintain a healthy attitude and body.
Special Advise
- Avoid having intercourse while on treatment with Epirubicin.
- Regular monitoring of complete blood count (CBC) and liver function (LFT) is important while receiving Epirubicin.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Breast Cancer: Breast cancer is a type of cancer with abnormal growth in the cells of the breast. There are different kinds of breast cancer, such as cancer occurring in lobules (glands that produce milk), ducts of the breast (the pathway that brings milk from glands to the nipple), and in the fatty tissue or the fibrous connective tissue within the breast. Symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast, breast pain, redness, swelling, nipple discharge other than breast milk, bloody discharge, a lump or swelling under the arm, unexplained change in shape, size or appearance of the breast, peeling, flaking or scaling of the skin.
FAQs
Epirubicin contains Epirubicin, 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.
Epirubicin can disrupt a woman's natural menstrual cycle (period) and inhibit sperm production in men. However, you should not presume that you cannot become pregnant or that you cannot make someone else pregnant. It may also harm your foetus. Use reliable methods of birth control while on treatment with Epirubicin.
