Details

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Idarubicin 5mg Injection is an anticancer drug which belongs to the Anthracycline group.

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

It  is a DNA-intercalating analog of daunorubicin.

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 Zavedos and Idamycin in the International market and Zavedos in Indian market.

 

Uses

• Idarubicin 5mg Injection is used in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in adults in combination with other anticancer drugs.

 

Dosage

• Idarubicin 5mg Injection comes as a sterile single dose vial containing no preservative.
• Zavedos is administered by healthcare professionals only slowly into a freely flowing intravenous infusion.
• Dosages of Idamycin 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 & liver dysfunction.

 

Side effects

• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Urticaria
• Bullous erythematous rashes on the palms and soles
• Mouth ulcers
• Pulmonary Allergy
• Myocardial toxicity
• Pain at the injection site
• Liver toxicity
• Kidney toxicity
• Severe myelosuppression

 

Precautions

• Idarubicin 5mg 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, kidney and liver function tests are done to check the drug toxicity.
• Zavedos is not used in severe low blood count, heart failure, infection of mouth, severe liver dysfunction and kidney infection.
• If it comes in contact with skin or mucous membranes immediately wash it.
• Careful monitoring is done to avoid severe bleeding or severe infection complications.
• 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 as this drug can cause harm to the foetus.

It is also not used in breastfeeding.