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 Daunocyte 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.
• Daunocyte 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.
• Daunocyte 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.
• Daunocyte 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.