Introduction
Epirubicin hydrochloride, also known as Ellence, is an antineoplastic agent and anticancer drug used as part of combination chemotherapy to treat breast cancer, gastric cancer, and other types of cancer. It belongs to a class of drugs known as antineoplastic antibiotics and is a type of cytotoxic chemotherapy.
Uses For
Epirubicin hydrochloride is used for the treatment of various types of cancer, including breast cancer and gastric cancer. In addition, it is used in aggressive lymphomas, such as Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's disease, and in certain types of leukemia.
| Brand Name | Epirubicin Hydrochloride |
|---|---|
| Type | |
| Weight | |
| Generic | Epirubicin Hydrochloride |
| Manufacturer | |
| Available in | English বাংলা |
Mechanism of Action
Epirubicin hydrochloride works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells, and preventing them from reproducing and spreading. In particular, it binds to the DNA of the cancer cells and inhibits its replication. This results in the death of the cancer cells, thus halting the growth of the cancer. In addition, it also increases the body's ability to fight the cancer, thus allowing the body's own immune system to kill the cancer cells.
How Long Does It Take to Work?
The effects of epirubicin hydrochloride depend on the type of cancer and the individual receiving the treatment. Generally speaking, it takes several weeks to see any marked improvement in the patient's condition. It is important to remember that epirubicin hydrochloride is generally used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, and may not be the only drug the patient takes for their cancer.
Absorption
Epirubicin hydrochloride is rapidly and widely distributed throughout the body with an average peak plasma concentration 1 hour after intravenous administration. It is eliminated mainly in the feces, with approximately 20-30% of the dose recovered in the urine.
Route of Elimination
Epirubicin hydrochloride is eliminated mainly in the feces. Approximately 20 to 30% of the dose is recovered in the urine.
Dosage
When possible, to reduce the risk of developing cardiotoxicity in patients receiving Epirubicin after stopping treatment with other cardiotoxic agents, especially those with long half-lives such as Trastuzumab, Epirubicin-based therapy should be delayed until the other agents have cleared from the circulation. Epirubicin Injection should be administered by intravenous infusion. Epirubicin is given in repeated 3-to 4-week cycles. The total dose of Epirubicin may be given on day 1 of each cycle or divided equally and given on days 1 and 8 of each cycle.The recommended dose of Epirubicin is 100 to 120 mg/m². The following regimens are recommended:
CEF-120:
- Cyclophosphamide: 75 mg/m² PO D 1-14
- Epirubicin: 60 mg/m² IV D 1, 8
- 5-Fluorouracil: 500 mg/m² IV D 1, 8
- Repeated every 28 days for 6 cycles
- 5-Fluorouracil: 500 mg/m²
- Epirubicin: 100 mg/m²
- Cyclophosphamide: 500 mg/m²
Epirubicin hydrochloride dosage depends on the individual and the type of cancer being treated. The typical recommended doses are: for breast cancer, 600 milligrams (mg) per square meter (m2) body surface area (BSA), administered every 21 days; for gastric cancer, 800 mg/m2 BSA administered every 21 days; and for Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's disease, 700 to 900 mg/m2 BSA administered every 3 weeks.
Administration
Epirubicin hydrochloride is usually administered intravenously as an injection by a qualified health care professional in a hospital setting. It can also be given orally, as a tablet, but this approach is not as common.
Side Effect
Like all medications, epirubicin hydrochloride has the potential to cause side effects. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, mouth or lip sores, hair loss, fatigue, and injection site reactions.
Toxicity
Epirubicin hydrochloride is toxic when administered in excessive amounts. Acute overdose can cause serious side effects, including a decrease in white blood cells, which can increase the risk of infection, as well as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Precaution
Epirubicin hydrochloride is an antineoplastic medication and should be used with caution. It should not be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women, or in patients with certain types of infections or certain types of kidney or liver disease. Patients should inform their physician about any allergies or other medical conditions they have.
Interaction
Epirubicin hydrochloride should not be taken with certain other medications. Patients should inform their health care provider of all medications they are currently taking.
Disease Interaction
Epirubicin hydrochloride may interact with certain medical conditions, such as infections, kidney or liver disease, or certain blood disorders. Patients should inform their health care provider of any existing medical conditions they have.
Drug Interaction
Epirubicin hydrochloride may interact with certain drugs, such as systemic corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, immunosuppressants, and certain antibiotics. Patients should inform their health care provider of all medications they are taking.
Food Interactions
Epirubicin hydrochloride may interact with certain foods, such as dairy products or grapefruit juice. Patients should inform their health care provider of any dietary restrictions.
Pregnancy Use
Epirubicin hydrochloride is not recommended for pregnant women. There is a potential risk of fetal harm. Women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant should avoid this medication.
Lactation Use
Epirubicin hydrochloride is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it is not known if it is safe for the infant. Women who are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed should avoid this medication.
Acute Overdose
Acute overdose of epirubicin hydrochloride is dangerous and can be fatal. Symptoms of an overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a decrease in white blood cells. If an overdose occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
Contraindication
Epirubicin hydrochloride should not be used by patients with certain types of infections or with certain kidney or liver diseases. It should also not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women or in patients who are allergic to it.
Use Direction
Epirubicin hydrochloride should only be used as prescribed by a qualified health care professional. Patients should take the medication as directed and inform their doctor if they experience any side effects.
Storage Condition
Epirubicin hydrochloride should be stored in a cool, dry place at room temperature. It should not be frozen and should be kept away from direct light or moisture.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of epirubicin hydrochloride is approximately 3.8 liters/m2. This means that the drug is present in the entire body, rather than just in a specific area.
Half Life
The half-life of epirubicin hydrochloride is approximately 6-8 hours. This means that it takes approximately 6-8 hours for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body.
Clearance
The clearance of epirubicin hydrochloride is approximately 11 milliliters per minute (ml/min). This means that the body eliminates 11 milliliters of the drug per minute.
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