Generic Name: epirubicin (EP i ROO bi sin)
Brand Names: Ellence
What is epirubicin?
Epirubicin is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.
Epirubicin is used to treat breast cancer.
Epirubicin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about epirubicin?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to epirubicin or similar medications (Cerubidine, Adriamycin, Idamycin, Novantrone), or if you have an untreated or uncontrolled infection, severe liver disease, severe heart problems, or if you have recently had a heart attack. Epirubcin can have serious side effects on your heart. Before you are treated with epirubicin, tell your doctor if you have a history of heart disease, heart rhythm disorder, congestive heart failure, or heart attack.
Also tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially about any other cancer medications or treatments you have received (including radiation).
Do not use epirubicin if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Epirubicin can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. Your blood may need to be tested often. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding injury. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection. Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using epirubicin, or you could develop a serious infection.
Using epirubicin may increase your risk of developing other types of cancer, such as leukemia. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before I receive epirubicin?
Before you are treated with epirubicin, tell your doctor about all other cancer medications and treatments you have received, including radiation. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to epirubicin or similar medications (Cerubidine, Adriamycin, Idamycin, Novantrone), or if you have:
an untreated or uncontrolled infection (including mouth sores);
severe liver disease;
severe heart problems; or
if you have recently had a heart attack.
To make sure you can safely receive epirubicin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
liver or kidney disease;
a weak immune system caused by prior cancer treatments;
heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, congestive heart failure; or
if you have ever had a heart attack.
Using epirubicin may increase your risk of developing other types of cancer, such as leukemia. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk. FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use epirubicin if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Use birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are receiving epirubicin, whether you are a man or a woman. Epirubicin use by either parent may cause birth defects.
It is not known whether epirubicin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using epirubicin.
How is epirubicin given?
Epirubicin is injected into a vein through an IV. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. Epirubicin must be given slowly, and the IV infusion can take up to 20 minutes to complete.
Epirubicin is usually given together with other cancer medications. You may be given other medications to prevent nausea, vomiting, or infections.
Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when epirubicin is injected.
If any of this medication accidentally gets on your skin, wash it thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Epirubicin can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. Your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests. Visit your doctor regularly.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your epirubicin injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include severe forms of some of the side effects listed in this medication guide.
What should I avoid while receiving epirubicin?
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using epirubicin, or you could develop a serious infection. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), oral polio, rotavirus, smallpox, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), H1N1 influenza, and nasal flu vaccine.
Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.
Epirubicin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Tell your caregivers at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
pain, burning, irritation, or skin changes where the injection was given;
feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
swelling, rapid weight gain (especially in your face and midsection);
nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
fast, slow, or uneven heartbeats;
anxiety, sweating, severe shortness of breath, wheezing, gasping for breath;
chest pain, sudden cough, cough with foamy mucus, rapid breathing, coughing up blood;
lower back pain, blood in your urine, urinating less than usual or not at all;
numbness or tingly feeling around your mouth, weak pulse, overactive reflexes, confusion, fainting;
muscle weakness, tightness, or contraction;
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat;
pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating; or
easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin.
Less serious side effects may include:
hot flashes, missed menstrual periods;
temporary hair loss;
feeling weak or tired;
mild nausea, diarrhea; or
eye redness, puffy eyelids.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect epirubicin?
Many drugs can interact with epirubicin. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using:
acetaminophen (Tylenol);
auranofin (Ridaura) or gold injections to treat arthritis;
cimetidine (Tagamet);
rosiglitazone (Avandia, Avandamet, Avandaryl);
an antibiotic or antifungal medication;
an antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Vanatrip, Limbitrol), doxepin (Sinequan, Silenor), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others;
birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy;
cholesterol medications such as atorvastatin (Lipitor, Caduet), simvastatin (Zocor, Simcor, Vytorin), and others;
heart or blood pressure medicine such as amlodipine (Norvasc, Caduet, Exforge, Lotrel, Tekamlo, Tribenzor, Twynsta, Amturnide), atenolol (Tenormin, Tenoretic), carvedilol (Coreg), digoxin (Lanoxin), diltiazem (Cartia, Cardizem), enalapril (Vasotec), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), methyldopa (Aldomet), nifedipine (Nifedical, Procardia), verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan, Tarka), and others;
HIV/AIDS medications;
an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Treximet), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Arthrotec, Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, Flector Patch, Pennsaid, Solareze), indomethacin (Indocin), meloxicam (Mobic), and others;
other cancer medications, especially docetaxel (Taxotere) or paclitaxel (Taxol, Onxol); or
seizure medications such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol), divalproex (Depakote), phenobarbital (Solfoton), phenytoin (Dilantin), valproic acid (Depakene, Stavzor), and others.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with epirubicin. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More Ellence resources
- Ellence Side Effects (in more detail)
- Ellence Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Ellence Drug Interactions
- Ellence Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Ellence - Add your own review/rating
- Ellence Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Ellence Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Ellence Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Ellence Consumer Overview
- Ellence MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Epirubicin Prescribing Information (FDA)
Compare Ellence with other medications
- Breast Cancer, Adjuvant
Where can I get more information?
- Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about epirubicin.
See also: Ellence side effects (in more detail)
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