Tecoland supplies high purity Epirubicin bulk Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) produced by GMP facility. We custom package for orders ranging from milligram to bulk quantity. Welcome to contact us with your specific request.

The following information is provided for general information purposes ONLY.

Introduction of Epirubicin

Epirubicin is chemotherapy that is given as a treatment for many different types of cancer.

Side effects of Epirubicin

Hair loss This usually starts 3–4 weeks after the first dose of epirubicin, although it may happen earlier. Hair may be lost completely or may just thin. You may also have thinning and loss of eyelashes, eyebrows and other body hair. This is temporary and the hair will regrow once the treatment ends. To help reduce hair loss, scalp cooling may be suitable for some people.

Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting There are now very effective anti-sickness drugs to prevent or greatly reduce nausea and vomiting. If you do feel sick it may begin a few hours after the treatment is given and last for up to a day. If the sickness is not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor, who can prescribe other drugs, which may be more effective.

Lowered resistance to infection Epirubicin can reduce the production of white blood cells by the bone marrow, making you more prone to infection. This effect can begin seven days after treatment has been given and usually reaches its lowest point 10–14 days after chemotherapy. Your blood cells will then increase steadily and will usually have returned to normal before your next course of chemotherapy is due.

Contact your doctor or the hospital straightaway if:

• Your temperature goes above 38°C (100.5°F)
• You suddenly feel unwell (even with a normal temperature)

You will have a blood test before having more chemotherapy, to make sure that your cells have recovered. Occasionally it may be necessary to delay your treatment if your blood count is still low.

Bruising or bleeding  Epirubicin can reduce the production of platelets (which help the blood to clot). Let your doctor know if you have any unexplained bruising or bleeding.

Anaemia While having treatment with epirubicin you may become anaemic. This may make you feel tired and breathless.

Sore mouth and taste change Your mouth may become sore, or you may notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids and cleaning your teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush can help to reduce the risk of this happening. Tell your doctor if you do have any of these problems, as special mouthwashes and medicines to prevent or clear any mouth infection can be prescribed.

You may notice that your food tastes different. Normal taste will come back after the treatment finishes.

Discoloured urine Your urine may become a pink-red colour. This may last up to a day after you have had the epirubicin, and is due to the colour of the drug. It is quite normal.

Skin changes Epirubicin can cause a rash, which may be itchy. Your doctor can prescribe medicine to help with this. Areas which have previously been treated with radiotherapy may become red and sore. Let your doctor know if this happens. The skin over the vein used for the injection may become discoloured. Your skin may darken, due to excess production of pigment. The darkening usually returns to normal a few months after the treatment has finished.

Tiredness and a general feeling of weakness It is important to allow yourself plenty of time to rest.

Changes in the way your heart works Higher doses of epirubicin may cause changes in the muscle of the heart. This can affect how the heart works. The effect on the heart depends on the dose given. It is very unusual for the heart to be affected if you have standard doses. Tests to see how well your heart is working may sometimes be carried out before the drug is given.

Diarrhoea This can usually be controlled easily with medicine, but let your doctor know if it is severe or continues. It is important to drink plenty of fluids if you have diarrhoea.

Changes to nails Your nails may become darker. White lines may appear on them. These changes grow out over a few months once the treatment has finished.

Disclaimer:

Information on this page is provided for general information purposes. You should not make a clinical treatment decision based on information contained in this page without consulting other references including the package insert of the drug, textbooks and where relevant, expert opinion. We cannot be held responsible for any errors you make in administering drugs mentioned on this page, nor for use of any erroneous information contained on this page.