Epirubicin is used to treat certain types of bladder cancer.
Epirubicin 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 of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on your condition and your 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 Epirubicin.
If you miss an appointment, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection 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
- conditions causing difficulty in the insertion of the catheter into the bladder
- blood in the urine
as Epirubicin 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:
- heart disease
- severe kidney disease
- mild to moderate liver disease
- previous or currently receiving radiation therapy in the chest area
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with Epirubicin. Both men and women must use proven birth control methods during therapy and for 6 months after stopping the treatment. 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, bladder examination) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Epirubicin may cause any of the following side effects: frequent urination, painful or difficulty in urination, bladder discomfort, 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 and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for cancer e.g. trastuzumab, cyclophosphamide, paclitaxel, cisplatin
- medicines for heart disease
- cimetidine (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Epirubicin.
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 Epirubicin may vary with its storage requirements. Ask your doctor or pharmacist on how to properly store this medicine.
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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