This leaflet provides information on a course of chemotherapy called doxorubicin. The leaflet will explain what this is and when and how it is given. It will also tell you about common side effects that you may experience. Contact telephone numbers and details of how to obtain further information on doxorubicin are given at the end of the leaflet.
This leaflet should be read alongside the ‘General information for patients receiving chemotherapy’ folder. If you haven’t received this folder please ask your nurse for a copy.
What is doxorubicin chemotherapy?
Doxorubicin is a chemotherapy treatment that is given through a drip.
Why am I having doxorubicin chemotherapy?
Your doctor has prescribed doxorubicin because it has been found to be effective in treating your type of cancer.
How often will I receive my chemotherapy?
For this treatment to be most effective, it is given at specific time intervals. These are known as cycles. It is usual to have a cycle of doxorubicin every 3 weeks for up to 6 cycles. Your doctor will discuss the exact number of cycles you will receive.
How often will I see the specialist team?
You will see the specialist team before each cycle. You will have regular blood tests and we will check how you are feeling and discuss any problems you may have. This is so we can check how the chemotherapy is affecting you. If your blood results are satisfactory, your chemotherapy will be prescribed.
How long will I be in the hospital?
Your chemotherapy appointment will usually be on a different day to your clinic appointment. The chemotherapy treatment will take about an hour. Please allow an extra 30 minutes for your first treatment.
If you live far away your chemotherapy may be arranged for the same day as your clinic appointment. There is always a delay between seeing the doctor and being given your chemotherapy.
Can I bring relatives and friends with me?
You are welcome to bring someone to stay with you during your treatment. Space is limited so there is not usually room for more than one person. Treatment areas are not suitable for young children.
How will my chemotherapy be given?
Your chemotherapy is given through a drip into a vein in the back of your hand or arm. Alternatively, if needed, it may be suggested that a fine tube called a PICC is inserted into one of the large veins in your upper arm. This line can remain in place for the whole of your treatment. Your doctor or nurse will discuss this in more detail if required and we have a leaflet that tells you more about PICC lines.
What are the possible side effects?
There are a number of possible side effects which can occur with this chemotherapy. The doctor, nurses and pharmacy team can give you advice or answer any questions you may have.
Hair loss
Unfortunately you will lose your hair with this chemotherapy. Your hair will grow back when your treatment has finished. A method known as ‘scalp cooling’ or ‘cold capping’ can sometimes be used to prevent hair loss. If you would like a wig more information is provided in the coping with hair loss leaflet. If you would like more information about scalp cooling or wigs please speak to your nurse.
We have a leaflet that tells you more on coping with hair loss. Please ask your nurse if you would like a copy.
Sickness
Nausea and vomiting are uncommon these days as we will give you anti-sickness medicines which are usually extremely effective. If you are sick more than once in 24 hours despite taking regular anti-sickness medicine when you are at home after your chemotherapy treatment, contact Velindre Cancer Centre for advice. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Infection
You are at an increased risk of picking up infections because your white blood cells which help fight infections can be reduced by this treatment.
If you develop an infection whilst your white blood cells are low, you are at risk of sepsis, this can be life threatening.
Contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately if you develop any signs of infection, for example flu like symptoms or a temperature above 37.5°centigrade or if your temperature is below 35.5°. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is not common with this chemotherapy. However, if you have four or more bowel movements in 24 hours above what is normal for you please contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Tiredness and fatigue
Chemotherapy can make you feel more tired than usual. It is important to listen to your body and rest if you need to, but carry out your normal activities if you feel able. Some people find it beneficial to take gentle exercise as well as taking rest.
Sore mouth
Your mouth may become sore or you may notice small ulcers. Please follow the advice on caring for your mouth in the general chemotherapy leaflet. Your doctor may prescribe mouthwashes or medication to prevent or clear any infection.
Colour changes to your urine
Doxorubicin will harmlessly discolour your urine red for a day after your chemotherapy. If this lasts for more than 24 hours please contact Velindre Cancer Centre.
Effects on your heart
Doxorubicin can cause heart problems. If you have an existing heart problem please tell your doctor before you start treatment. Please tell your doctor if you notice any breathlessness, palpitations or chest pain.
Skin and tissue damage
Some chemotherapy drugs may damage the skin and surrounding area if they leak outside of your vein. This is known as extravasation. It is extremely rare but it is important that you tell us immediately if you notice any swelling, pain or burning at the site of the drip. If this occurs whilst the chemotherapy is being given, tell your nurse. If you notice pain, swelling or redness when you’re at home please contact us immediately. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Blood clots
A diagnosis of cancer can increase your risk of developing a blood clot (thrombosis), and having cancer treatment may increase this risk further. It is important to tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling in your leg, or breathlessness and chest pain.
Blood clots can be very serious. However, most clots can usually be successfully treated with drugs to thin the blood. Your doctor or nurse can give you more information.
Other side effects
Women sometimes find that chemotherapy treatment affects their periods. They could become heavier, lighter or even stop altogether.
It is important you do not become pregnant or father a child whilst having chemotherapy treatment as chemotherapy could damage the unborn baby. It is not recommended to breast feed.
Sometimes cancer drugs can have very serious side effects which rarely can be life threatening. It is important to inform Velindre cancer centre if you are concerned about any side-effects.
Manufacturer’s patient information leaflets
Velindre leaflets provide information about very common and commonly reported side-effects (we are unable to list all of the common side effects), for more information regarding these and the less common side-effects please refer to the manufacturers patient information leaflets, obtained from Velindre pharmacy and/or on the internet at www.medicines.org.uk. Sometimes patients may find these leaflets difficult to read however. Please ask if you would like a copy from your doctor or from Velindre pharmacy
Contact telephone numbers
Velindre Cancer Centre 029 2061 5888
Ask for the treatment helpline if you are unwell at home and need immediate advice at any time of the day or night. For example you should phone if you:
Pharmacy department 029 2061 5888 ext 6223
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm for queries about your medicines
Macmillan freephone Helpline 0808 808 0000
Tenovus freephone 0808 808 1010
cancer helpline
This information is also available in Welsh
This leaflet was written by health professionals. The information contained in this leaflet is evidence based. It has been approved by doctors, nurses and patients. It is reviewed and updated every 2 years.