Liposomal Doxorubicin

Liposomal doxorubicin is a type of chemotherapy used for the treatment of ovarian cancer, multiple myeloma, or AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. It is given through an IV infusion (also known as an "IV drip") that lasts approximately 60 minutes, once every three or four weeks. Nausea, hand-foot syndrome, and anemia are some of the drug's most common side effects.

What Is Liposomal Doxorubicin?

Liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil®) is a prescription chemotherapy medication. It is approved for treating ovarian cancer, AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma, and multiple myeloma.
 
(Click What Is Liposomal Doxorubicin Used For? for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Are There Side Effects?

Just like any medicine, liposomal doxorubicin may cause side effects. And like most forms of chemotherapy, this medication is capable of causing serious side effects.
 
Some of the most common side effects include but are not limited to:
 
  • Low blood platelets (thrombocytopenia)
  • Anemia
  • Low levels of a certain type of white blood cell known as neutrophils (neutropenia)
  • Hand-foot syndrome (pain, redness, and swelling of the palms and soles)
  • Nausea.
     
(Click Side Effects of Liposomal Doxorubicin to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
Liposomal Doxorubicin Article Continues on Next Page >
List of references (click here)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
Other Articles in This eMedTV Presentation
Referring Pages Articles Health Topics Drugs & Supplements