Idarubicin Hydrochloride (eye-da-ROO-bi-sin hye-droe-KLOR-ide)

Treats leukemia.

Brand Name(s):

IDArubicin HCl Novaplus, Idamycin PFS

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through an IV placed in a vein. The medicine must be injected slowly, so your IV tube will need to stay in place for 10 to 15 minutes every day for 3 days.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how idarubicin works. Tell your doctor if you are using cyclophosphamide, heparin, paclitaxel, trastuzumab, or anthracyclines.
• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. If you are a woman who can get pregnant, your doctor may do tests to make sure you are not pregnant before starting treatment. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for 6 ½ months after the last dose. Male patients with female partners should use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 3 ½ months after the last dose.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 14 days after the last dose.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, anemia, heart failure, heart or blood vessel disease, heart rhythm problems, gout, or any type of infection.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Serious heart problems
  • Hyperuricemia (high uric acid in the blood)
• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• Cancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain, fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
• Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• Pain, redness, or swelling where the needle is placed
• Rapid weight gain, swelling of your hands, ankles, or feet
• Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat
• Tiredness, trouble breathing
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, stomach cramps
• Hair loss

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

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