Adriamycin is a type of antibiotic used specifically in the treatment of cancer. It interferes with the multiplication of cancer cells and slows or stops their growth and spread in the body.

Nausea & vomiting:Adriamycin may cause severe nausea and vomiting that can be managed with medications. These medications may make you sleepy. The nurse will write down a schedule of these medications you need to take. This schedule may change depending upon your progress through therapy. Be sure to call the nurse or doctor if you are unable to keep down fluids after your treatment because of uncontrollable nausea and vomiting.

Decreased blood counts (Bone Marrow Depression):Your bone marrow produces your blood cells. Adriamycin can lower the number of white blood cells produced for fighting infections and platelets for clotting the blood.

Signs if infection are:

• Fever (101 or above)
• Chills
• A sore that is red, swollen, or not healing as usual
• Severe cough or a cough producing yellow sputum
• Sore throat

Signs of bleeding are:

• Bruising
• Blood in urine or bowel movements
• Bleeding gums or nose

Check your temperature twice a day, call if your fever is greater than 101 F. Should you have any unusual bleeding or signs of infection, notify your doctor immediately. To monitor your bone marrow, we will ask you to have periodic blood counts.

Sores in the mouth (stomatitis): Patients experience this in varying degrees, some have fever blister-like sores. You should report this to your doctor. It is very important that you maintain good mouth care both to make you feel better and to prevent infections. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt or 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 quart of warm water as a mouthwash before and after each meal. If you have difficulty eating, the doctor may be able to prescribe a medication to take some discomfort away during meals. Soft, bland foods at medium temperatures may make eating more pleasant.

Myocardial (heart) damage: After much study and experience, it has been shown that chances of heart damage are small if the total amount of the drug taken does not exceed a certain amount. This total amount is calculated for each individual based on height and weight. Careful records are kept so that this total is not exceeded. In order to keep careful watch, your doctor will have you get a periodic electrocardiogram or ECG (tracing of your heartbeat). If indicated, a special heart scan will be ordered.

Loss of hair (alopecia):Almost all patients lose all body hair. This is because the hair cells are very fast growing, as are cancer cells, and since Adriamycin is aimed at the fast growing cancer cells, it also kills the hair cells. The hair can grow back during your treatment course and will grow back fully after treatment is discontinued. It might be slightly different in texture and color. You may wish to have a wig or hairpiece within two weeks of your first treatment.

Fever: Do not take Tylenol unless approved by the doctor.

Red-colored urine:Sometimes for up to 12 days after treatment, the urine may have a red color. This is the drug, not blood. If you have any questions, ask your doctor.