Ellence (epirubicin): What to Expect, Side Effects, and More
Ellence is usually given in combination with other chemotherapy medicines. It's typically used:
to reduce the risk of early-stage breast that has spread to nearby lymph nodes from coming back (also called recurring) after surgery and other treatments
to shrink large advanced-stage breast cancer tumors before surgery
to treat advanced-stage breast cancer
See Ellence prescribing information.
How Ellence works
Epirubicin is an anthracycline. This type of chemotherapy works by blocking rapidly dividing cells from making copies of DNA and other products important to the cell. This stops cancer cells from dividing or growing.
Other anthracyclines include Adriamycin, daunorubicin, Doxil, and mitoxantrone.
What to expect during Ellence treatment
Ellence is given intravenously every three to four weeks.
The recommended starting dose of Ellence is 100 to 120 mg — with either the full dose administered on day one of a three or four-week cycle, or divided equally on days one and eight of a four-week cycle. Your doctor may adjust your dosage or treatment schedule thereafter.
Each infusion lasts about 30 minutes — sometimes more if you’re receiving other drugs at the same time.
Ellence side effects
Like almost all breast cancer medicines, Ellence can cause side effects, some of them severe.
The most common side effects of Ellence are:
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:
heart problems, including congestive heart failure — your doctor will recommend heart testing before starting treatment with Ellence, and may repeat this heart testing at intervals of several months while you are receiving Ellence
tissue death (necrosis) — this occurs if Ellence leaks into the skin and subcutaneous tissues during an infusion
secondary cancers
allergic reaction
blood clots, specifically deep vein thrombosis
Ellence can cause fetal harm. If you are pregnant, you should not take this medication. Men and women are advised to use contraception while being treated with Ellence as well as for several months after treatment ends. when administered to pregnant women — you shouldn’t take this drug if you’re pregnant. Breastfeeding while being treated with this medication is also not recommended.
Real patient reviews
Members of our community discuss their experiences with Ellence 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 had low white [blood cell] counts, nausea, extreme fatigue, and just did not feel good; in bed two days after chemo. Better now (one week post). Still a bit weak with low white [blood cell] counts.” —bestock
“During my eight cycles of epirubicin and Cytoxan, I had [debilitating] nausea — finally, by about the fifth or sixth treatment, after trying everything else ( and I do mean everything) with no success, I tried compazine suppositories and it really helped.” —soccermom
“I am at the midpoint — [I’ve] had two infusions, and side effects have been very manageable.” —LaCombattante
Read more in our Ellence (epirubicin) discussion forum.
Paying for Ellence
The cost of Ellence 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 Ellence infusions.
Note: Your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization before covering Ellence.
Pfizer also has a program, Oncology Together, that can help you find resources for financial assistance.
Learn more about financial assistance and medicine cost-lowering tips.
— Last updated on August 30, 2024 at 10:39 PM