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Idarubicin - Learn about Idarubicin Side Effects and Precautions

Idarubicin Information

The pharmacology action of Idarubicin is that it idarubicin is a DNA-intercalating analog of daunorubicin, which has an inhibitory effect on nucleic acid synthesis and interacts with the enzyme topoisomerase II.

Idarubicin is used Acute myelocytic leukemia as part of a combination chemotherapy regimen.

on coagulopathies (DIC); prevention of postoperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and PE.

Interaction and Contraindication of Idarubicin

Interaction of Idarubicin - None well documented.

Contraindication of Idarubicin - Standard considerations.

Side Effects o f Idarubicin

Here are the list of some common side effects ofIdarubicin :

• CHF; serious arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation); chest pain; MI; asymptomatic declines in left ventricular ejection fraction.
  
• Headache (20%); neurologic involvement of peripheral nerves (7%); seizure (4%).
• Hair loss (77%).
• Nausea/vomiting (82%); abdominal cramps/diarrhea (73%); mucositis (50%); severe enterocolitis with perforation (rare).
• Severe changes in renal function (1% or less).

Precaution and Warning while taking Idarubicin

The precaution and warnings of Idarubicin drug is as follows:

• Advise patient, family, or caregiver that medication will be prepared and administered by health care provider in a health care setting.
• Advise patient, family, or caregiver that medication will be used in combination with other agents to achieve max benefit possible.
• Review dosing schedule with patient, family, or caregiver.
• Advise patient, family, or caregiver that medication will usually cause a red coloration of the urine. Advise that this is not a problem and is expected because the medication is being eliminated in the urine.
• Advise patient, family, or caregiver that medication may cause hair loss but that this is reversible when therapy is stopped.
• Advise patient, family, or caregiver to immediately report any of the following to health care provider: rash; hives; difficulty breathing; chest pain; fever, chills or other signs of infection; sores in mouth; unusual bleeding or bruising; pain, redness, or swelling at injection site.
• Advise patient, family, or caregiver to report any of the following to health care provider: persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or appetite loss; persistent or worsening general body weakness.
• Instruct patient to not take any prescription or OTC medications, herbal preparations, or dietary supplements unless advised by health care provider.
• Advise women to notify health care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How to store Idarubicin

• Diligently follow institutional and NIH procedures for handling, administration, and disposal of anticancer drugs. Wear appropriate protective equipment when preparing and administering idarubicin. Avoid exposure by direct contact of the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes.
• If accidental skin or mucus membrane contact occurs, wash thoroughly with soap and water. If accidental eye contact occurs, immediately institute standard irrigation techniques.
• Do not administer if particulate matter or cloudiness is noted. Solution has a red-orange color which is normal and of no concern.
• Administer prescribed dose slowly (over 10 to 15 minutes) into freely flowing IV infusion of 0.9% sodium chloride injection or 5% dextrose in water injection. Attach tubing to butterfly needle or other suitable device and insert into large vein. Take precautions to avoid extravasation.