Idarubicin: What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Idarubicin

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What are the possible side effects of idarubicin?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects from idarubicin, contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; or fever, chills, or signs of infection);
• congestive heart failure (difficulty breathing, fluid retention, chest pain);
• irregular heartbeats;
• tissue or vein reactions near the site of administration;
• liver damage (abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite;
• inflamation and sores inside the mouth, throat, or intestines;
• fever, chills, or other signs of infection;
• numbness, tingling, or difficult movement of a body part;
• seizures; or
• increased levels of uric acid in the body (joint pain and stiffness).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking idarubicin and talk to your doctor if you experience:

• facial flushing during administration;
• eye irritation or tearing;
• darkening of the nail beds and skin folds;
• temporary hair loss; or
• red colored urine for 1 or 2 days following a dose.

Some breast cancer patients developed a second cancer (leukemia) after treatment with idarubicin. Idarubicin may cause premature menopause.

Other side effects have also been reported. Discuss with your doctor any side effect that occurs during treatment with idarubicin.

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Last updated:	May 09, 2006