Adriamycin
Brand name: Adriamycin
Chemical name: Doxorubicin
Class: Anthracycline chemotherapy. Doxil, daunorubicin, Ellence, and mitoxantrone are other anthracyclines.
How it works: Anthracyclines kill cancer cells by damaging their genes and interfering with their reproduction.
Uses: Adriamycin usually is given in combination with other chemotherapy medicines. It's typically used:
after surgery to reduce the risk of early-stage breast cancer coming back
before surgery to shrink large advanced-stage breast cancer tumors
to treat advanced-stage breast cancer
How it's given: Adriamycin is given intravenously.
Additional information: Adriamycin can have a toxic effect on the heart. You should be tested for heart problems before starting to take Adriamycin and should be continuously monitored for developing problems during treatment.
Side effects:
increased risk of bleeding from low platelet count
irregular periods — this can include temporary cessation (usually resume after medication is completed) or permanent cessation of menstrual periods depending on your age and other factors
— Last updated on July 27, 2022, 1:46 PM