Epirubicin (Intravenous Route)

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Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Also, because of the way these medicines act on the body, there is a chance that they might cause other unwanted effects that may not occur until months or years after the medicine is used. These delayed effects may include certain types of cancer, such as leukemia. Discuss these possible effects with your doctor.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

• Black, tarry stools
• Bleeding, redness, or ulcers in the mouth or throat
• Chest pain
• Cough or hoarseness
• Fever or chills
• Lower back or side pain
• Pain or burning in the mouth or throat
• Painful or difficult urination
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat
• Sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
• Swollen glands
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

• Blood in the urine or stools
• Pinpoint red spots on the skin
• Red streaks along the injected vein

• Darkening or redness of the skin at place of irradiation
• Difficulty with breathing
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Joint pain
• Pain, redness, or warmth at the injection site
• Skin rash or itching
• Swelling of the abdomen or stomach, lower legs, and feet
• Swelling or tenderness of the lymph nodes, abdomen, side or lower back
• Wheezing

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

• Abdominal or stomach swelling or tenderness
• High fever
• Stomach pain
• Swelling of the lining of the mouth, nose, or throat
• Vomiting

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• Absent, missed, or irregular menstrual periods
• Burning, dry, or itching eyes
• Diarrhea
• Discharge or excessive tearing
• Feeling of warmth
• Hair loss or thinning of the hair
• Nausea
• Redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• Redness, pain, or swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
• Stopping of menstrual bleeding
• Sudden sweating
• Unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness

• Changes in the skin
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss

• Darkening of the soles, palms, or nails

After you stop using this medicine, it may still produce some side effects that need attention. During this period of time, check with your doctor immediately if you notice the following side effects:

• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling of the abdomen or stomach, feet, and lower legs

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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