Details

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Epirubicin 10mg, 50mg Injection is an anticancer drug which belongs to the Anthracycline group..

Anthracyclines are  antibiotics derived from fungus Streptomyces that have cytotoxic effects on multiple stages of the growing cell.

It is a prescription only drug and requires a healthcare professional to administer and 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 Ellence and Pharmorubicin in the International market and Farmorubicin in Indian market.

 

Uses

• Epirubicin 10mg, 50mg Injection is used in early-stage, node-positive breast cancer but nowadays it is also used in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer and as adjuvant therapy after resection of primary breast cancer.
• Ellence is also used in Gastroesophageal cancer, Bladder cancer and SCLC.

 

Dosage

• Epirubicin 10mg, 50mg Injection is a sterile, orange-red powder in single-dose vials that is administered via the intravenous route by healthcare professionals only over several minutes.
• Pharmorubicin is also injected into the bladder.
• Farmorubicin dosages are determined by the doctor depending on the factors like pre existing medical condition, the stage and spread of cancer, 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

• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Mouth ulcers
• Pain at the injection site
• Liver and kidney toxicity
• Myelosuppression
• Dark colour urine

 

Precautions

• Tell the doctor about any pre existing medical condition, ongoing medications and any typeof allergy before starting the Farmorubicin.
• Always tell the doctor about pregnancy or future plan of pregnancy or breastfeeding as this drug can cause harm to the foetus.
• Epirubicin 10mg, 50mg Injection must be administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional only as on leaking it causes severe soft tissue injury at the site of injection..
• Regular blood tests, heart function tests, uric acid level tests and liver function tests are done to check the drug toxicity.
• Farmorubicin is not used in severe low blood count, heart failure, infection of mouth, pharynx & oesophagus, severe liver dysfunction and bladder infection.

If it comes in contact with skin immediately wash it.