IDAMYCIN

Drug Name: IDAMYCIN

IDAMYCIN DESCRIPTION:
IDARUBICIN - INJECTION (eye-duh-REWB-eh-sin)

COMMON IDAMYCIN BRAND NAME(S):
Idamycin

IDAMYCIN SIDE EFFECTS:
IDAMYCIN may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or headache. If these symptoms continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop severe stomach pain, skin rash, chest pain, unusual bleeding or bruising, fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, breathing trouble, tingling of the hands or feet or mouth sores while taking IDAMYCIN. You may experience redness, irritation or pain at the injection site. Inform your doctor of this. IDAMYCIN may cause temporary hair loss (alopecia). When the medication is stopped, hair growth will return. IDAMYCIN reduces your blood cell counts. Blood tests will be done routinely while using IDAMYCIN and your therapy will be adjusted accordingly. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE IDAMYCIN:
IDAMYCIN: IDAMYCIN is given by injection into a vein over 10 to 15 minutes by a health care professional. Continue using IDAMYCIN for the full time prescribed. Stopping therapy too soon may result in ineffective treatment.

IDAMYCIN WARNING:
IDAMYCIN must be given slowly and directly into a vein (IV) through other intravenous (IV) fluids. Do not inject IDAMYCIN into the muscle (IM) or just beneath the skin (subcutaneously). If IDAMYCIN accidentally leaks into surrounding tissue, the skin and/or muscle may be severely damaged. Notify the doctor immediately if redness, pain, or swelling occurs at (or around) the injection site. Idarubicin may cause heart problems (including heart failure) or bone marrow suppression. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop an irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing, swelling of the hands or feet, easy bruising or bleeding, or signs of infection such as fever, unusual fatigue, or persistent sore throat. People with current heart conditions or people who have been treated with similar drugs (anthracyclines) are at greater risk for heart problems. Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems before starting treatment with IDAMYCIN. You may require smaller doses of idarubicin. Idarubicin is to be used only under close medical supervision. Your doctor will monitor your progress and laboratory tests will be performed while using IDAMYCIN.

IDAMYCIN USES:
IDAMYCIN is an anticancer drug used in combination with other medications for the treatment of leukemia.

IDAMYCIN PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, blood disorders or any allergies. Idarubicin is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using IDAMYCIN. It is not known if IDAMYCIN passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

IDAMYCIN DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

IDAMYCIN OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

IDAMYCIN NOTES:
IDAMYCIN is usually administered initially in the hospital where your condition can be monitored closely. Laboratory tests will be done periodically to be sure the drug is working properly and to monitor for possible side effects.

MISSED IDAMYCIN DOSE:
It is important to receive each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor who will help establish a new dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

IDAMYCIN STORAGE:
Reconstituted solutions are stable for 7 days in the refrigerator or 3 days at room temperature. Discard medication properly after the expiration date. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.