Daunorubicin Description

Generic Name : DAUNORUBICIN

Pronunciation : (daw noe roo' bi sin)

Trade Name(s) : Daunocin, Daunomycin, Dauxobin

Why it is prescribed: Your doctor has ordered the drug daunorubicin to help treat your illness. The drug will be injected into a vein. Daunorubicin slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in your body. In addition to daunorubicin, your doctor may have ordered other cancer-fighting drugs; this treatment is called combination therapy. Your doctor may measure the effectiveness of your treatment using laboratory tests and physical examinations. In general, the length of treatment depends on the types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you have.

When it is to be taken: It is available in the form of red fluid after being dissolved from powder.It is given as an injection into a vein through a cannula or as a drip. it can also be given through a central line.

How it should be taken: The purpose of chemotherapy is to control your illness so that your own body can aid in your recovery. It is important to build up your body's defense system, and a balanced diet is needed to build a healthy body. Ask your doctor for advice on your diet.

Special Instruction :
1. Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol or lots of salt because they can irritate your mouth.
2. It is also important to eat well. Careful food selection will allow your mouth to heal while providing good nutrition.
3. If your mouth becomes dry, eat moist foods, drink plenty of fluids, and suck on sugarless hard candy.
4. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and citrus juices.
5. Try to maintain your normal activity schedule, but avoid stressful situations and be careful not to overexert yourself.
6. Remember activity schedule, but avoid stressful situations and be careful not to overexert yourself.
7. Remember to take a break and rest whenever you feel tired.
8. You should not assume that you cannot get pregnant just because you are on chemotherapy.
9. You should not plan to have children while receiving chemotherapy or for a while after treatments.
10. Use a reliable method of birth control to prevent pregnancy.

Side Effects :
1. Although not everyone experiences side effects during chemotherapy, some people do. If any of the effects becomes intolerable, let your doctor know.
2. The most common side effect of daunorubicin is a decrease in the number of blood cells. These cells include white blood cells that fight infection, red blood cells that carry oxygen and energy, and platelets that help clot blood and promote healing.
3. Scalp and body hair may be affected by daunorubicin. Your hair may become thinned or brittle and may fall out. This problem may begin about two weeks after the start of treatment, but new growth usually occurs within a few months. The use of scarves, wigs, and hairpieces may help you feel better about yourself during this temporary condition.
4. In a small number of patients, nausea and vomiting occur, but these problems generally are mild and do not last long. Your doctor may have ordered antinausea medications to take if you feel sick. Follow your doctor's instructions.
5. If diarrhea occurs, replace lost fluids by drinking more liquids than usual. Also, a high-fiber diet may help control diarrhea.
6. About a week after you receive the drug, daunorubicin may affect the lining of your mouth, causing redness, irritation, or sores.
7. You may experience a sore throat or mouth pain. It is important to take regular care of your mouth to prevent infection. Brush with a soft-bristle toothbrush or cotton swab.
8. You may also notice red-colored urine and perspiration for one to two days after receiving daunorubicin because the drug is eliminated in the urine and has a red color.
9. Daunorubicin can cause skin irritation or rash on areas that were previously exposed to radiation treatments. This "radiation-recall" has been known to occur months after radiation treatment.
10. If you notice any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor as soon as possible: breathing discomfort, pain at the injection site, rectal bleeding, skin infection, fever, chills, burning sensation or sores in the mouth, sore throat, bruising, and unusual bleeding.

Other Precautions :
1. Your doctor may order tests before, during, and after your treatment to see if your blood cells are affected by the drug.
2. It is especially important to prevent infection and injuries.
3. Avoid people with contagious diseases such as the flu.
4. Keep all cuts and scratches clean. Maintain good personal hygiene, including hand washing and mouth care.
5. To avoid injuries, shave with an electronic razor instead of blades and wear protective clothing.
6. Do not take any medications, especially those containing aspirin, without your doctor's advice.
7. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.

Storage Conditions : Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature.