Doxorubicin is a medication used to stop cancer cell growth, states the Mayo Clinic. It belongs to the drug category of neoplastics and treats a variety of cancers of the blood, breast, lymph, stomach and kidneys. Doxorubicin is available as a powder, solution or injection and should only given by your doctor. Prior to taking, tell your doctor about your current medications and medical problems, as they may cause serious problems when combined with doxorubicin.
Heart Toxicity
Doxorubicin can lead to myocardial (of the heart muscle) toxicity, according to Drugs.com. This may occur during therapy and even several months after therapy. Doxorubicin can damage your heart and lead to congestive heart failure (a condition where your heart is unable to pump enough blood to the rest of your body). Some symptoms of congestive heart failure include trouble breathing, swelling of the feet and legs and weight gain.
General Side Effects
Medline Plus states that you may generally experience nausea and vomiting up to 24 to 48 hours following doxorubicin therapy. You may also experience diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, skin irritation and trouble swallowing. Hair thinning, pain and redness and puffiness on the soles and palms of your hands are other side effects.
Bleeding and Infection
The Mayo Clinic states that doxorubicin lowers the white blood cells (WBCs) in the body. With decreased WBCs, your body is subject to infections. Doxorubicin also lowers platelet counts in the blood and makes wound healing difficult. Signs of infection include fever, chills, painful urination and cough. You may bruise or bleed easily when you have low platelet counts.
Myelodysplastic Syndrome or Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) can develop in people taking doxorubucin, according to Drugs.com. MDS refers to a condition where the bone marrow is unable to make certain blood cells. Some MDS symptoms include fatigue, bleeding and infection. AML is a cancer of the blood cells characterized by such symptoms as nosebleeds, fever and trouble breathing.
Other Side Effects
Doxorubicin can harm the digestive system and cause an infection of the esophagus. It can also lead to conjuctivitis (an eye infection), pain at the site of injection and darkening of the soles and palms, states the Mayo Clinic.
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