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Idarubicin ( eye-duh-ROO-bih-sin ) (Idamycin®) What is this medication used for? Idarubicin is used to treat acute myeloid leukemias.
What does it look like? • Liquid How it is given?
Special instructions: • Heart tests are done before this medicine is given and at certain times throughout the course of treatment to check heart function. • Drink plenty of fluids. • Contact your healthcare provider immediately if symptoms of an allergic reaction occur. These include: a rash, trouble breathing, a feeling of tightness in the chest, and swelling of the face or mouth. • Signs of gastrointestinal bleeding should be reported to your healthcare provider. They include throwing up blood, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, and black or red stools. • If this medicine leaks out of the vein, irritation can occur. Notify the person administering the medication if burning or pain is experienced while the medication is being given. Tell your healthcare provider if the skin becomes red or swollen. • Consult your healthcare provider before becoming pregnant, fathering a child, or breastfeeding. It may be important to use birth control while taking this medicine and for several months after treatment is completed.
• Into the vein (IV) or venous access device What are the common side effects? • Low blood counts 1–2 weeks after treatment • Urine may turn pink or red for 1–2 days • Hair loss (alopecia)
• Nausea and vomiting • Abnormal heart rhythm • Diarrhea
What are the less common side effects? • Heart muscle damage (with higher doses) • Mouth sores What are the rare but serious effects? • Allergic reaction • Development of a secondary cancer or leukemia • Seizure • Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet (peripheral neuropathy) • Bleeding in the digestive (gastrointestinal) system
Notes from Your Healthcare Team
Not all of the possible side effects of this medicine and precautions related to taking it are covered in this information sheet. For a complete list of side effects and precautions, ask your healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, pharmacist) for a manufacturer’s package insert or another reference.
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