Adriamycin Chemotherapy is a palliative treatment for multiple cancers. The trade name for Adriamycin is Rubex and Doxorubicin.
This anti cancer drug is an Anthracycline antibiotic which in turn is derived from Streptomyces bacteria. The antibiotic prevents replication of cells especially cancerous cells by damaging the DNA & RNA strands which otherwise tend to multiply speedily. Adriamycin based treatment could be given to patients suffering from bladder, breast, head and neck, liver, lung, ovary, pancreas, prostate, sarcomas, stomach, testis (germ cell), thyroid and uterus cancer.

Doxorubicin is injected into the veins of a patient. It is rarely given in the arteries. This chemical is one vesicant which causes extensive tissue damage and rupture once it escapes from the veins. Any blisters or reddishness if found on the area of intravenous infusion must be immediately shown to the concerned advisor. The dosage of drug varies with height, weight, personal traits and intensity of malignancy in the tumor. Your doctor should accordingly schedule the quantity of chemical to be injected.

Side Effects of Adriamycin Treatment

Introduction of Adriamycin could show some harmful effects on the patient’s body. However this might differ with every case.

Some common side effects that patients face are:

1. Pain at the site of injection
2. Nadir: Nadir is the phase during chemotherapy when a patient shows low blood count
3. Nausea & vomiting
4. Hair loss
   The most serious detriment of Adriamycin usage is cardiotoxicity i.e. the difficulty in pumping of the heart. The dosage of drug accordingly reduces if a patient has high risk of heart disease.

One must take certain precautions before beginning the treatment. Firstly, inform your doctor about any other medication or vaccination you have taken during the course of chemotherapy. Secondly, women must take contraceptive pills and avoid conceiving a child during the course of treatment. Nursing mothers must be cautious to avoid breast feeding their child if they undergo this medication. Lastly, one must get a baseline heart test before starting this medication as it could interfere with the proper functioning of heart muscles.

The details mentioned above are good for educational & learning purposes hence; we strongly encourage patients to consult their medical advisor in case of any discomfort.