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Idamycin PFS Side Effects

Generic name: idarubicin

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 17, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Idamycin PFS Side Effects associated with idarubicin. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Idamycin PFS.

Applies to idarubicin: intravenous solution.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Intravenous route (solution)

1.

Idarubicin hydrochloride should be given slowly into a freely flowing intravenous infusion.

It must never be given intramuscularly or subcutaneously.

Severe local tissue necrosis can occur if there is extravasation during administration.2.

As is the case with other anthracyclines the use of idarubicin hydrochloride can cause myocardial toxicity leading to congestive heart failure.

Cardiac toxicity is more common in patients who have received prior anthracyclines or who have preexisting cardiac disease.3.

As is usual with antileukemic agents, severe myelosuppression occurs when idarubicin hydrochloride is used at effective therapeutic doses.4.

It is recommended that idarubicin hydrochloride be administered only under the supervision of a physician who is experienced in leukemia chemotherapy and in facilities with laboratory and supportive resources adequate to monitor drug tolerance and protect and maintain a patient compromised by drug toxicity.

The physician and institution must be capable of responding rapidly and completely to severe hemorrhagic conditions and/or overwhelming infection.5.

Dosage should be reduced in patients with impaired hepatic or renal function.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check you closely to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. It may also cause birth defects if the father is using it when his sexual partner becomes pregnant. If you are a woman who can get pregnant, your doctor may do tests to make sure you are not pregnant before starting treatment. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for 6 ½ months after the last dose. Males with female partners who are able to become pregnant should use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 3 ½ months after the last dose. If you think you have become pregnant, tell your doctor right away.

Your doctor may monitor your heart while you are getting treatments with this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have chest pain or discomfort, fast or irregular heartbeat, swelling of the feet and lower legs, or trouble breathing after receiving this medicine. These may be symptoms of serious heart problems.

Idarubicin can temporarily lower the number of white blood cells in your blood, increasing the chance of getting an infection. It can also lower the number of platelets, which are necessary for proper blood clotting. If this occurs, there are certain precautions you can take, especially when your blood count is low, to reduce the risk of infection or bleeding:

If idarubicin (the active ingredient contained in Idamycin PFS) accidentally seeps out of the vein into which it is injected, it may damage some tissues and cause scarring. Tell your right away if you notice redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site.

While you are being treated with idarubicin, and after you stop treatment with it, do not have any immunizations (vaccinations) without your doctor's approval. Idarubicin may lower your body's resistance, and there is a chance you might get the infection the immunization is meant to prevent. In addition, other persons living in your household should not take oral polio vaccine since there is a chance they could pass the polio virus on to you. Also, avoid persons who have taken oral polio vaccine. Do not get close to them, and do not stay in the same room with them for very long. If you cannot take these precautions, you should consider wearing a protective face mask that covers the nose and mouth.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of Idamycin PFS

Along with its needed effects, idarubicin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking idarubicin:

More common side effects

  • black, tarry stools
  • bleeding gums
  • blood in the urine or stools
  • chest pain or discomfort
  • coughing up blood
  • cough or hoarseness
  • difficulty with breathing or swallowing
  • dizziness
  • fainting
  • fast or irregular heartbeat
  • fever or chills
  • increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding
  • lower back or side pain
  • nosebleeds
  • pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
  • painful or difficult urination
  • paralysis
  • pinpoint red spots on the skin
  • prolonged bleeding from cuts
  • red or dark brown urine
  • red or black, tarry stools
  • sores in the mouth and on the lips
  • sweating
  • trouble breathing
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • vomiting

Less common side effects

  • joint pain
  • redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site
  • swelling of the feet and lower legs

Rare side effects

  • skin rash or hives
  • stomach pain (severe)

Other side effects of Idamycin PFS

Some side effects of idarubicin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

  • cracked lips
  • diarrhea
  • difficulty in swallowing
  • hair loss, thinning of hair
  • headache
  • nausea and vomiting
  • sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips, tongue, or inside the mouth
  • stomach cramps

Less common side effects

  • darkening or redness of the skin
  • numbness or tingling of the fingers, toes, or face

For healthcare professionals

Applies to idarubicin: intravenous powder for injection, intravenous solution.

Hematologic adverse events

For induction therapy for AML, a median WBC nadir of < 500/mm3 (ANC) usually occurs at 10 to 12 days, with recovery at around 15 to 20 days. Idarubicin (the active ingredient contained in Idamycin PFS) monotherapy typically induces an absolute neutrophil count of 3000/mm3. Thrombocytopenia is less commonly encountered, with platelet nadirs occurring on days 10 to 15 over a median duration of approximately 25 days. Anemia is rare. Although prolonged myelosuppression is rarely observed, full hematologic recovery is typically observed in all cases.[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Idarubicin-induced nausea and vomiting can be seen as early as 15 to 30 minutes after IV dosing, and can be easily controlled with appropriate antiemetic therapy.

Mucositis can be severe, especially in patients receiving multiple leukemia induction courses.

Gastrointestinal perforation should be suspected in patients with severe abdominal pain.[Ref]

Dermatologic

Nervous system

Cardiovascular

Congestive heart failure (frequently attributed to fluid overload), serious arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation, chest pain, myocardial infarction and asymptomatic declines in LVEF have been reported in patients undergoing induction therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Myocardial insufficiency and arrhythmias were usually reversible and occurred in the setting of sepsis, anemia, and aggressive IV fluid administration. The events were reported more frequently in patients over age 60 years and in those with preexisting cardiac disease.[Ref]

Local

In cases of extravasation most experts recommend topical ice packs to the affected area. Topical DMSO has been shown to be useful in cases of extravasation involving other anthracyclines; its usefulness in cases of idarubicin extravasation is unknown.[Ref]

Hepatic

Changes in hepatic function tests have been observed. These changes were usually transient and occurred in the setting of sepsis and while patients were receiving potentially hepatotoxic antibiotics and antifungal agents. Severe changes in hepatic function (equivalent to WHO Grade 4) occurred in less than 5% of patients.[Ref]

Renal

Renal side effects including new or worsened renal insufficiency (perhaps associated with hyperuricemia), concomitant potentially nephrotoxic antimicrobial therapy, and/or dehydration has been reported in less than 5% of patients in large clinical trials. The nephrotic syndrome has been associated with the use of other anthracyclines in patients with acute myelogenous leukemias.[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Genitourinary

Immunologic

Metabolic

Oncologic

Other

Respiratory

See also:

References

1. (2001) "Product Information. Idamycin (idarubicin)." Pharmacia and Upjohn

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

3. Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (2006) APPGuide online. Australian prescription products guide online. http://www.appco.com.au/appguide/default.asp

Further information

Idamycin PFS side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.