Precautions

See also Side Effects section.

Before using doxorubicin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to lincomycin; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: a current infection, low blood cell counts (e.g., anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia), gout, heart problems (e.g., recent heart attack, heart failure, irregular heartbeat), a history of receiving any anthracycline-type drug (e.g., doxorubicin, idarubicin, daunorubicin, mitoxantrone), kidney problems, liver disease, severe mouth sores (stomatitis), radiation treatment (especially to the chest area).

Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine.

To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like safety razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to lower the risk of bleeding gums.

Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections.

Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially to radiation recall in the lungs, heart problems, or another cancer later on in life. Doxorubicin, in combination with other chemotherapies, may also slow the growth of children before puberty.

This medication may lower sperm count or may cause abnormal sperm to form, possibly causing infertility or birth defects. Consult your doctor for more details.

This medication can affect menstruation in females and cause premature menopause. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.

This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. It is recommended that men and women use effective forms of birth control (e.g., condoms and birth control pills) while being treated with this medication and for 6 months after stopping the medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss reliable forms of birth control.

This medication passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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