Daunorubicin: What to Expect, Side Effects, and More

Daunorubicin (brand names: Cerubidine, DaunoXome) is a type of chemotherapy called an anthracycline.  The medication is usually given in combination with other chemotherapy medicines. It is not often used in the treatment of breast cancer, but may be used in the following situations:

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  after surgery and other treatments to reduce the risk of early-stage breast cancer coming back

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  before surgery to shrink large advanced-stage breast cancer tumors

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  to treat advanced-stage breast cancer

Daunorubicin blocks the ability of cells to make copies of DNA, which shuts down cell growth. The drug also blocks cell repair and triggers cell death.

Adriamycin, Doxil, Ellence, and mitoxantrone are other anthracyclines.

Daunorubicin is given intravenously. You’ll receive it in treatment cycles; your care team will decide what dosage is right for you.

Your doctor will likely monitor your heart, kidneys, and liver during daunorubicin treatment. 

Like almost all breast cancer medicines, daunorubicin can cause side effects, some of them severe.

The most common side effects of daunorubicin are:

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  nausea

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  vomiting

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  loss of appetite

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  stomach pain

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  diarrhea

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  difficulty swallowing

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  hair changes

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  skin sensitivity

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  rash

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  nail changes

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  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

Rare but potentially severe side effects include:

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  heart problems, including congestive heart failure — your doctor will recommend heart testing before starting treatment with daunorubicin, and may repeat this heart testing at intervals of several months while you are receiving daunorubicin

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  tissue death (necrosis)- this occurs if daunorubicin leaks into the skin and subcutaneous tissues during an infusion 

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  secondary cancers

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  allergic reaction

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  infection 

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  blood clots, specifically deep vein thrombosis

Daunorubicin should not be prescribed if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. 

The cost of daunorubicin may vary. The price you’ll pay depends on the drug manufacturer, 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 daunorubicin infusions.

Note: Your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization before covering daunorubicin. 

Learn more about financial assistance and medicine cost-lowering tips.