Adriamycin (doxorubicin): What to Expect, Side Effects, and More
Adriamycin is a chemotherapy drug typically used after surgery to reduce the risk of early-stage breast cancer coming back, before surgery to shrink large advanced-stage breast cancer tumors, and to treat advanced-stage breast cancer. It is usually given in combination with other chemotherapy medicines.
Adriamycin chemo can have a toxic effect on the heart. You should be tested for heart problems before starting to take Adriamycin, and you should be monitored during treatment in case you develop problems.
See Adriamycin prescribing information.
How Adriamycin works
Adriamycin chemotherapy, or doxorubicin chemotherapy, is an anthracycline chemotherapy drug. It is made from a bacterium called Streptomyces peucetius.
Anthracyclines like Adriamycin kill cancer cells by damaging their genes and interfering with their reproduction.
What to expect during Adriamycin treatment
Adriamycin is given intravenously. You usually receive Adriamycin as a course of several cycles of treatment. The number of cycles you have depends on your treatment plan.
Adriamycin chemo is usually administered in three- to 10-minute infusions at 14 to 21-day intervals.
Adriamycin side effects
Like almost all breast cancer medicines, Adriamycin can cause side effects, some of them severe. It is sometimes called the “red devil” because it comes in the form of a red liquid and is known to cause some uncomfortable side effects.
If you have any of the following severe Adriamycin side effects, you should call your doctor:
pain, blisters, or sores at the injection site
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
fast heartbeat or shortness of breath
swelling in your ankles or feet
Other common side effects of Adriamycin are:
reddish-orange urine
Real patient reviews
Members of our community discuss their experiences with Adramycin in the community forum. Here are some of their comments. Remember, it's very important to talk to your doctor about any side effects you're having and ask about ways to manage them.
“I started adriamycin on Thursday. So far no really bad side effects. My legs hurt and a little nausea, but I can handle this.” —tlangston07
“I didn't have much nausea or trouble other than diminished energy until my third round. Then I did have some nausea (but never vomited) partly because I waited too long to take something. After my last round of chemo, I had significant fatigue, which was worse if I was outside in the heat (late July by that time, for me). That lasted a couple of weeks and began to improve after that.” —mountainmia
“A/C was a little rough. I would get my treatment and I was so tired for four days. I would have a metal taste in my mouth, so could only drink water from a glass. I was a little nauseated, kinda like when I was pregnant, but they gave me an anti-nausea med that I took like clockwork for five days and I did okay.” —margecandoit
Read more in our Adriamycin discussion forum.
Paying for Adriamycin
The cost of Adriamycin chemotherapy may vary. The price you’ll pay depends on your health insurance provider and plan, where you live, and the pharmacy you use. You may also be charged for the office visits required for Adriamycin infusions.
Note: Your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization before covering Adriamycin.
If you have trouble paying for Adriamycin, ask your care team about financial assistance programs that may be able to help.
Learn more about financial assistance and medicine cost-lowering tips.
— Last updated on March 29, 2025 at 3:17 PM