Daunorubicin – Information, Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

Drug Trade Name: Cerubidine

Category: Antineoplastics

Generic Name: daunorubicin hydrochloride

Introduction and Quick Information about Daunorubicin:

Daunorubicin belongs to a group of medications known as Antibiotics/Antineoplastics. Cerubidine is a brand name of Daunorubicin. This medicine is prescribed for the treatment of specific type of cancer. This drug is mostly taken to prevent particular sorts of leukemia (acute lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia).

This medicine is a kind of antibiotic which is only taken during chemotherapy. Daunorubicin stops or slows the development of cancer cells in the body. Actually, the duration of treatment depends on the type of medicines that you take, how well your entire body system responds, and the type of cancer you have. Consult your medical healthcare professional before using Daunorubicin.

Is Daunorubicin Approved by U.S. FDA?

Daunorubicin (Cerubidin) was approved and permitted by U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) on December 19, 1979, for treating and preventing some specific types of cancer.

Usage and Benefits of Daunorubicin:

Your doctor will prescribe you  daunorubicin to treat your cancer. This medication comes in a form of solution which is taken by injecting it in a vein.

This medicine is used to prevent:

• Acute lymphocytic leukemia
• Acute myeloid leukemia

Sometime Daunorubicin is recommended for other health complications; ask your pharmacist or doctor for more information on this.

Daunorubicin is a chemotherapy drug used for treating cancer. This drug slows or prevents the growth of cancer cells.

Daunorubicin is also taken to control neuroblastoma. This drug can be consumed with other cancer-fighting medicine to prevent the blastic phase of chronic myelogenous leukemia. Consult your healthcare provider about the possible risks of taking this medicine.

Daunorubicin Side Effects:

Daunorubicin may lead to decrease in the number of blood cells in your bone marrow. Prolonged use of Daunorubicin can also cause serious heart damage. Inform your healthcare provider if you experience any unwanted side effects while being on Daunorubicin. 

In case you face any of the following conditions such as- chest tightness, flushing, or back pain; call your medical expert immediately. Your physician can suggest you certain laboratory tests to confirm any improvement in your condition while you are on Daunorubicin.

Take a look at some adverse reactions of Daunorubicin:

• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting and nausea
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Skin irritation (sunburn or skin rashes)
• Brittle or thinned hair
• Darkening of toenails or fingernails
• Mouth blistering
• Fatigue
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Pain at the injection site
• Sweat or red urine
• Fever
• Chills
• Breathing discomfort
• Sore throat

Stop using Daunorubicin if you notice any of these symptoms. Call your medical professional if you expereince reactions while you are using Daunorubicin.

General Recommended Dosages of Daunorubicin:

Use Daunorubicin exactly as suggested by your healthcare provider. If you have any doubt about the directions regarding this medicine, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain all the instructions or directions one more time. 

This medicine is generally administered as an injection at clinic, hospital, or doctor’s office. Keep this drug, as well as needles and syringes, away from pets and out of the reach of children. Do not reuse syringes, needles, or other materials.

You should dispose of this medicine properly after use. Patients can ask their pharmacist or doctor to explain correct ways for proper disposal.

In case I Miss my Dose?

In case you forget to use your regular dose of Daunorubicin, take it as soon as you can. However, if it is almost the time for your next scheduled dose, you should skip the missed dose and continue with your usual scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed dose because this may increase the chance of you experiencing an unpleasant side effect.

Patients should call their medical expert if they forget to take their scheduled dosages of Daunorubicin. You should talk to your medical expert  and  inform him if you have skipped your regular dose of Daunorubicin.

In case I Take Overdose?

 You should be aware of all possible negative outcomes in case you have consumed  an overdose.

Overdose symptoms of Daunorubicin may include:

• Headache
• Mild fever
• Body ache
• Numbness
• Stress

In case a patient has consumed excessive amount of this medication then contact your health care provider right away. Instant treatment can give you relief otherwise you may experience some more severe symptoms.

Drug Interactions of Daunorubicin:

Some medicines may interact with Daunorubicin. You should inform your doctor about any other drug you are using with Daunorubicin. Interactive drug can cause various severe reactions.

 Daunorubicin interaction with other drugs:

• If Daunorubicin is taken along with cyclophosphamide, it could possibly increase the risk of bladder bleeding. Even it may also heighten the risk of heart muscle damages.
• A medical expert might decrease the dosage of Daunorubicin in case patients are using other medicines those affect their bone marrow.

These above mentioned drugs may interact negatively with Daunorubicin. So, if you are taking any of them or some other medications along with Daunorubicin, inform your doctor about this.

Lifestyle and Food Habits You Must Follow When on Daunorubicin:

Use Daunorubicin exactly as recommended by your healthcare provider. Avoid using smaller or larger amounts or consuming it longer than the prescribed period. You should follow the important instructions given on the prescription label.

If patients have any queries about Daunorubicin, they should consult their pharmacist, doctor, or other healthcare providers.

This drug is to be taken only by the patient for whom it has been recommended. Avoid sharing it with other people.

In case your condition does not get better or if it becomes worse, visit your medical expert immediately. Ask your physician about how to dispose off unused medication.

How safe is Daunorubicin for Pregnant Women or Nursing Mothers?

Daunorubicin has been assigned under pregnancy category D by the U.S. FDA. There are evidence of toxicity when tested on animals. Daunorubicin might be unsafe for your unborn child. Inform your healthcare provider if you are expecting or already pregnant while using this medicine.

It is also not known whether Daunorubicin is excreted into breast milk. So consult your doctor before breastfeeding your newborn. Avoid taking the medication if you face any unusual symptoms or if you are pregnant. Do not use this treatment without confirming with your health care provider while you are breast-feeding your new-born child.  

Complications and Conditions Possible Due to Prolonged Use of Daunorubicin:

Prolonged use of Daunorubicin might lead to numerous side effects which are actually pernicious to your skin. According to various physicians, a drug should not be used for more than the recommended period. Extended use of any medicine is actually not effective for the skin. 

Always take this medication as recommended by your medical practitioner or as directed on the label of medication box. Extended use of any drug can make your body reliant on it. In most of the cases, extended use of medicines is injurious to health.

Better you talk to your doctor & discuss everything about extended use of Daunorubicin, in case you want to use it for a longer period of time.

Availability of Daunorubicin:

Daunorubicin (Cerubidin) is easily available at any drug store. This drug is also available at government or U.S. FDA approved medical stores.