Details

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Daunorubicin 20mg Injection is an anticancer drug which belongs to the Anthracycline group.

It is an antibiotic derived from fungus Streptomyces coeruleorubidus that has cytotoxic effects on multiple stages of the growing cell.

It is a prescription only drug and requires a healthcare professional to administer & monitor.

Mechanism of action:It acts by binding to DNA through intercalation leading to inhibition of DNA and RNAsynthesis.It laso acts by inhibiting the action of topoisomerase II; by generating  free radicals through reductive process and by binding to cellular membranes to alter transport across the membrane. All these actions result in the death of the cancer cell.

It is available as DaunoXome and Cerubidine in the International market and Daunomycin in Indian market.

 

Uses

• Daunorubicin 20mg Injection is used for acute lymphoid leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia known as blood cancer in both children and adults.
• Daunomycin is also used in combination with other anticancer drugs.

Dosage

• Daunorubicin 20mg Injection comes as a vial containing powder for reconstitution for infusion or injection.
• Daunomycin is given as a rapidly flowing intravenous infusion by a healthcare professional only, leakage of this drug causes severe tissue necrosis.
• Cerubidine must be stored at temperature not above 25 °C.
• The reconstituted solution at room temperature is stable for 24 hours and at +4 °C to +8 °C it is stable for 48 hours.
• Dosages of DaunoXome are determined by the doctor depending on the factors like pre existing medical condition, the stage and spread of cancer, age, height, weight, response and side effects of the drug.
• Dosages are also adjusted to minimise the dose related side effects like neutropenia and liver dysfunction.

Side Effects

• Nausea and vomiting
• Itchy skin rash
• Fever
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Infection
• Tiredness
• Increased risk of bruising or bleeding
• Shortness of breath
• Purple lips or skin
• Liver toxicity
• Kidney toxicity
• Hair loss
• Pain at the injection site
• Liver and kidney toxicity
• Myelosuppression
• Heart problems
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain

 

Precautions

• Daunorubicin 20mg Injection is contraindicated in case of allergy to anthracyclines.
• Regular blood tests, heart function tests and liver & kidney function tests are done to check the drug toxicity.
• Contact with skin and mucous membranes must be avoided.
• Daunomycin must not be used during pregnancy as it damages developing fetus and also must not be used in breastfeeding mothers.

Tell the doctor about any pre existing medical condition, ongoing medications and any type of allergy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Daunomycin 20 mg Injection?
Daunomycin 20 mg Injection contains daunorubicin, an anthracycline anticancer medicine used under specialist medical supervision. Lotus International lists Daunomycin as the Indian-market product, with DaunoXome and Cerubidine listed as international brands.

2. What is Daunomycin used for?
Daunomycin is used in the treatment of acute lymphoid leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia. It may also be used in combination with other anticancer medicines as part of a prescribed chemotherapy regimen.

3. How does Daunomycin work?
Daunorubicin works by interacting with DNA and inhibiting DNA and RNA synthesis. It also inhibits topoisomerase II and can generate free radicals, contributing to the destruction of cancer cells.

4. How is Daunomycin 20 mg Injection administered?
Daunomycin is administered by rapid intravenous infusion by a qualified healthcare professional. The dosage and treatment schedule are determined by the treating doctor according to the patient’s condition and chemotherapy protocol.

5. What are the possible side effects of Daunomycin?
Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, fever, headache, dizziness, tiredness, infections, increased bruising or bleeding, hair loss, diarrhea, and injection-site pain. Serious effects such as liver, kidney, blood-cell, and heart-related problems may also occur.