Doxil (doxorubicin HCL liposome injection) is an anthracycline agent used to treat ovarian cancer and AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. Doxil is a drug used for chemotherapy. It is typically administered every four weeks. The Food and Drug Administration notes that for ovarian cancer patients a typical dose administered intravenously is 50 mg/m2 at a starting rate of 1 mg/min. For AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma a typical dose is 20 mg/m2 at a starting rate of 1 mg/min. Doxil has a wide range of side effects. Each doctor will evaluate the risks and benefits of this treatment for the patient.
Cardiac Disorders
Doxil use may cause heart damage that may progress to congestive heart failure, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Doxil may create new heart problems that require treatment. Tachycardia has been noted in some Doxil patients.
Fever
Patients who are using Doxil may experience a spike in temperature. A temperature of 100.5 degrees F or above may occur during Doxil treatment.
Infusion-Related Problems
Some typically short-term problems that may occur with Doxil infusion include flushing, swelling, chills, head and back pain, and chest tightness. These symptoms typically cease within a few hours or up to a day after the infusion treatment was complete.
Stomatitis
The mouth may develop sores during Doxil treatment; this is known as stomatitis. Patients may develop mouth sores, an enlarged tongue, problems swallowing and mouth pain.
Hand-Foot Syndrome
Patients on Doxil may experience tingling, a rash, swelling and blisters on the palms of the hands and the feet. This is related to hand-foot syndrome, according to Doxil.com. This problem is often mild and transient; however, in some cases it became more troubling and required cessation of the drug treatment.
Allergic Reactions
Rarely, a life-threatening allergic reaction has occurred during treatment with Doxil. The allergic reaction may be of an anaphylactoid type and fatal.
Alopecia
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, may occur during Doxil treatment. The hair loss is temporary. Typically hair will return after the Doxil therapy is complete.
Changes in Blood Cell Counts
Red and white blood cell counts may decrease during Doxil therapy. Typically the decrease in white or red blood cells is not severe. However, rarely, some patients may experience a strong drop in red or white blood cell counts. This may impact health and energy levels.
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