Doxil

Brand name: Doxil

Chemical name: Doxorubicin

Class: Anthracycline chemotherapy. Adriamycin, daunorubicin, Ellence, and mitoxantrone are other anthracyclines.

How it works: Anthracyclines kill cancer cells by damaging their genes and interfering with their reproduction.

Uses: Doxil usually is given in combination with other chemotherapy medicines. It's typically used:

• after surgery and other treatments to reduce the risk of early-stage breast cancer coming back
• before surgery to shrink large advanced-stage breast cancer tumors
• to treat advanced-stage breast cancer

How it's given: Doxil is given intravenously.

Additional information: Doxil can have a toxic effect on the heart. You should be tested for heart problems before starting to take Doxil and should be continuously monitored for developing problems during treatment.

Side effects:

• low white blood cell count
• increased risk of bleeding from low platelet counts
• hand-foot syndrome
• loss of appetite
• nail changes
• hair loss
• nausea
• vomiting
• mouth sores
• irregular periods -- this can include temporary cessation (usually resume after medication is completed) or permanent cessation of menstrual periods depending on your age and other factors