Doxorubicin is used to treat certain types of bladder cancer.
Doxorubicin is to be given intravesically (instilled directly into the bladder) via a tube (catheter).
Your doctor or nurse will administer this medicine for you.
You may be advised not to drink any fluid for 12 hours prior to the procedure.
The dose and schedule of administration of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Doxorubicin.
If you miss an appointment, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment should be given as soon as possible.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- tumours that have penetrated the bladder wall
- inflammation of the bladder
- bladder infection
- blood in the urine
- conditions causing difficulty in the insertion of the catheter into the bladder
as Doxorubicin may not be suitable for you.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- with or a history of heart disease
- previous or currently receiving radiation therapy in the chest area
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with Doxorubicin. Both men and women must use proven birth control methods while being treated with this medicine. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Inform your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. Do not receive any vaccinations without first asking your doctor.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. Routine tests (e.g. blood count, urine test and bladder examination) may be done while you are being treated with Doxorubicin. Your doctor will advise you about how often you will need to have these tests.
Doxorubicin may cause any of the following side effects: bladder discomfort, painful or difficulty in urination, frequent or urgency in urination, and blood in the urine.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
- other medicines for cancer e.g. cyclophosphamide, paclitaxel, trastuzumab
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenobarbital, phenytoin
- verapamil (medicine for irregular heartbeat)
- ciclosporin (medicine for organ transplant and certain immune disorders)
- St. John’s wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Doxorubicin.
Avoid vaccinations during treatment with this medicine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Available products of Doxorubicin may vary with its storage requirements. Refer to the full product insert for further information.
Keep away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As this is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired medicine to the clinic, hospital, or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.
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