Idarubicin

About idarubicin

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antimetabolites.

Idarubicin is used to treat breast cancer and some types of leukaemia.

Cancer cells grow and increase rapidly. Idarubicin works by preventing the growth and division of cells and therefore stops them increasing in numbers.

Idarubicin is available in capsule and injection form.

It is also sometimes known as: Zavedos. You may notice the use of either of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before taking idarubicin

Before taking idarubicin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant or breast-feeding
• if you are male or female and are trying for a baby or intend to have children in the future
• if you suffer from liver, kidney or heart problems
• if you suffer from any blood disorders
• if you are receiving or have recently received radiotherapy, or if you have had a bone marrow transplant
• if you have an infection
• if you have stomach or bowel problems
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to take idarubicin

• Take idarubicin exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• You must follow the printed instructions you have been given with your medication.
• Swallow idarubicin capsules whole. Do not bite or chew them. They may be taken with or immediately after a light meal.
• Idarubicin may make you feel or be sick. It is important to keep taking this medicine at regular dosage times even if you begin to feel unwell.
• If you are sick shortly after taking a dose, or you forget a dose, check with your doctor. You will be told whether to take the dose again, or wait until the next dose is due.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of idarubicin contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside idarubicin.
• Idarubicin may cause dizziness, tiredness and nausea (feeling sick). Make sure you are feeling well and your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Important: You must not get pregnant while taking idarubicin. If you are male, you must not get a woman pregnant. Ask your doctor, hospital or pharmacist about suitable contraception.
• You must keep your regular appointments with the doctor or hospital so your progress can be checked. You may need to have regular blood tests during your treatment with this medicine.
• While you are taking idarubicin, and for a while after you stop treatment, do not have any immunisations (vaccinations) without talking to your doctor first. This medicine lowers the body's resistance and there is a chance that you may get an infection from the vaccine.
• Idarubicin can cause a dry mouth. If you experience this try chewing sugar free-gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or a piece of ice. If a dry mouth becomes too troublesome speak with your doctor.
• Idarubicin may colour your urine red. This is normal and will disappear after one or two days.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment tell the surgeon, doctor or dentist you are taking idarubicin.

Can idarubicin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects become troublesome.

Diarrhoea, feeling or being sick, stomatitis (sores in the mouth and throat), reversible hair loss, tummy pain, rash, fever or chills.

Important: If you experience a sore throat, a temperature or any unusual bleeding or bruising speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

If you experience any other worrying side effects, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store idarubicin

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from food, direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 21/11/2005