It's normal to feel a little nervous and anxious when you or someone close to you is being treated for cancer with chemotherapy. Today we're going to talk about the vaccine Idarubicin, which is used in such cases, especially for a type of blood cancer called Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Let's talk about this simply and clearly.
What kind of medicine is Idarubicin?
Simply put, Idarubicin is a chemotherapy drug . Specifically, it helps stop cancer cells from growing and dividing. It is mainly used to treat a condition called acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Sometimes, your doctor may also prescribe this drug for other conditions. If you have any questions about it, ask your doctor.
Things to tell your doctor before starting treatment
Before starting this treatment, it is very important to give your medical team a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell them about any of the following conditions, especially:
- If you have blood disorders.
- If you have heart disease or an irregular heartbeat.
- Any existing infections, especially viral infections like chickenpox or herpes.
- If you suffer from kidney disease or liver disease.
- If you have recently received or are currently receiving radiation therapy.
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to idarubicin or other chemotherapy drugs, or to any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are hoping to get pregnant or suspect you are pregnant .
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding .
Based on this information, the medical team will be able to determine the most appropriate and safest treatment option for you.
How is this medicine given?
Idarubicin is not a medicine to take at home. It is given as an infusion into a vein by a trained medical professional in a hospital or clinic .
If you experience any pain, swelling, burning, or other unusual sensations at the injection site during or after the injection, notify the doctor or nurse immediately.
If you are giving this medicine to children, special care may be required. Talk to your pediatrician about this.
What to do if the medication dose increases?
Since this medicine is given in a hospital setting, the risk of overdose is very low. However, if you suspect that something has happened, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
Since this is a hospital-based treatment, it is very important to arrive on time for your scheduled appointment. If for some reason you are unable to arrive on time, please call your doctor immediately and let them know.
Things to consider during treatment
- Common side effects: Chemotherapy also affects healthy cells, so you may feel more uncomfortable and tired than usual during treatment. This is normal. However, if you experience any side effects, let your healthcare team know. Complete the prescribed course of treatment until your doctor tells you to stop.
- Blood tests: You will need to have your blood work checked regularly while taking this medicine.
- Pregnancy and childbirth: This is very important.
- Women: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 6.5 months after stopping treatment. Tell your doctor immediately if you are planning to become pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
- Men: Avoid fathering a child while taking this medicine and for 3.5 months after stopping treatment, as this medicine may cause serious harm to an unborn baby.
- Breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding your baby during treatment and for 14 days after stopping treatment.
- Fertility: This medicine may affect your ability to have children. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor before starting treatment.
What are the possible side effects of the medicine?
It is common to experience side effects during chemotherapy. Some are urgent, while others are less serious. Let's break them down.
| Idarubicin side effects | |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor or hospital immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Low blood counts | Symptoms of infection: fever, chills, cough, sore throat. Signs of bleeding: skin bruising, black stools, blood in the urine. Symptoms of low red blood cells: extreme fatigue, fainting, blue eyes. |
| Other serious symptoms | Difficulty breathing, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, mouth sores, stomach pain, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Stomach discomfort | Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach upset. |
| Other minor features | Hair loss, headaches, and reddish urine (this could be due to the medication, but tell your doctor ). |
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter painkillers (e.g. Panadol, Aspirin, Ibuprofen), vitamins, and herbal remedies. Some medicines may interact with this treatment. For example:
- Other anticancer drugs such as cyclophosphamide
- Medicines that increase the number of blood cells (e.g. filgrastim, pegfilgrastim)
- Types of vaccines
Take-Home Message
- Idarubicin is an anticancer injection given intravenously in a hospital under the supervision of a team of specialist doctors.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications you are taking.
- If you experience symptoms such as fever, bleeding, or excessive fatigue during treatment, seek medical advice immediately.
- Avoid becoming pregnant during treatment and for a certain period of time afterward. Be sure to discuss this with your doctor.
- Talk openly with your medical team about any problems or discomfort you may be experiencing. They are always ready to help you.
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