Idarubicin
About
Idarubicin is an antineoplastic medicine used in the treatment of cancer. Cancer is a disease where the cells grow abnormally and divide uncontrollably. Idarubicin is used in the treatment of Acute Myeloid 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.
Idarubicin contains Idarubicin, 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, destroying DNA and RNA synthesis. Thus, Idarubicin stops the multiplication of abnormal cells, leads to the growth of cells in an unbalanced way and causes cancer cell death. Idarubicin is used in combination with other medicines for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia.
Idarubicin may cause certain side effects such as vomiting, nausea, mouth ulcers, loss of appetite, diarrhea, dizziness, weakness, stomach pain, headache, pale skin, difficulty urinating, fever, and pain at the site of injection. Most of these side effects of Idarubicin do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor. Idarubicin 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.
Idarubicin 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 Idarubicin. Idarubicin is contraindicated for pregnant 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, bone marrow suppression, or heart disease, as it may cause serious adverse effects or worsen the condition. Avoid alcohol consumption with Idarubicin as it may increase the risk of liver damage. This medicine is not recommended for children as safety and efficacy are not established.
Uses of Idarubicin
Medicinal Benefits
Idarubicin contains Idarubicin, 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, destroying DNA and RNA synthesis. Thus, Idarubicin stops the multiplication of abnormal cells, leads to the growth of cells in an unbalanced way and causes cancer cell death.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Idarubicin
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Mouth ulcers
- Loss of appetite
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Fever
- Pale skin
- Headache
- Difficulty urinating
- Injection site reactions
- Pain at the site of injection
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Idarubicin 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 Idarubicin. Idarubicin 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, pre-existing bone marrow suppression, or pre-existing heart disease, as it may cause serious adverse effects or worsen the condition. Avoid alcohol consumption with Idarubicin as it may increase the risk of liver damage. This medicine is not recommended for children as safety and efficacy are not established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Food Interactions: Idarubicin may interact with alcohol. Therefore, avoid alcohol consumption with Idarubicin 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 Idarubicin.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol with Idarubicin 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 Idarubicin. Use effective contraception to avoid pregnancy while on treatment with this medicine.
Breast Feeding
unsafeIt is not recommended for use in breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk and harm your infant. Because of the possibility of major adverse events in nursing infants from the medicine, women should quit nursing prior to taking the drug and refrain from breastfeeding during treatment and for 14 days after the final dosage.
Driving
unsafeIdarubicin causes dizziness and may alter the ability to drive or operate machines. Hence, avoid driving or operating machines after taking Idarubicin.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Idarubicin. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition. Your doctor may also suggest liver function tests while on treatment with Idarubicin.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before receiving Idarubicin. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition. Your doctor may also suggest renal function tests while on treatment with Idarubicin.
Children
unsafeIdarubicin is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy have not been established.
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 Idarubicin 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
- Idarubicin is intended for intravenous administration only.
- This medicine should be administered only by a well-trained and experienced oncologist in a hospital setting.
- Regular blood tests are recommended while receiving Idarubicin to monitor the number and type of cells in the blood, liver and kidney functioning.
- Cardiac function should be monitored carefully. Regular ECG should be done to check for any changes.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): It is a type of cancer that occurs in the bone marrow and blood. It abnormally increases the number of immature white blood cells. The symptoms include unexplained weight loss, excessive sweating, bone pain, frequent nosebleeds, heavier-than-normal periods in females, and shortness of breath. The risk factors include smoking and genetic or blood disorders.
FAQs
Idarubicin contains Idarubicin, 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, destroying DNA and RNA synthesis.
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 Idarubicin as it may cause infections.
